Bayern Munich vs. Manchester City Preview, Odds, Predictions, Picks

Bayern Munich and Manchester City play this Wednesday at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, a club-friendly game, which won’t be that friendly. These two units have a reputation to protect, and when we add that the Citizens beat Bayern in last year’s UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, there is a lot at stake here. Both teams had one game prior to this one, and they aren’t in some perfect shape. The fans in Tokyo will have a chance to see some of the best players in the world, and we don’t doubt that the attendance at the Olympic Stadium is going to be massive. 

Preview

Bayern Munich (+190) played against Rottach-Egern, whom they defeated 0-27 a few days ago. Bayern always likes to open the preseason against some lower-tier team, usually away from Munich, thus promoting the football and honoring some teams that would never have a chance to meet with the Bundesliga team, let alone the champs. 

Tuchel had to react and bring reinforcements to the defense following a very unstable and mediocre campaign. Min-jae Kim came from Napoli, and he should make the back line a bit more formidable.

The chemistry was also very poor, and let’s be straight, Bayern didn’t deserve to win the German title, but the stars were on their side. Tuchel didn’t adapt well to the new environment, and we’ll see if he managed to change something in his approach. We are a bit stunned that he didn’t bring more players during the summer. 

Manchester City (+105) has already experienced what it is like playing in Tokyo, with the European champs playing against Yokohama FM this Sunday. The result was 3-5 for the European unit, who was down 0-2 in the first half, but blitzed the rivals to level the result and roll over them in the second half. 

When Guardiola’s unit shifted into a higher gear in the second half with several of the starters coming off the bench, there was no help for the Japanese crew, who was pressured from each side. 

We’ve seen the Citizens playing their usual football, with plenty of aggressiveness, and constant offense. Even in the moments when they flipped the result, Sky-Blues were going after another goal.

Latest News

According to the relevant media, both sides should be in their best lineups. 

The only notable news is that Bayern’s Sadio Mane might leave the team and join Al-Nassr, playing with Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Head to Head Games

After 3-0 in Manchester, City and Bayern played without winners in Munich, 1-1, and the Citizens advanced to the UEFA Champions League semis. 

Also, they played in the United States during the previous summer, with City winning 1-0 and Haaland scoring a goal.

Prediction

Man City is overall a better team, even if everything was perfect in Bayern. We don’t know the situation in the German powerhouse and whether Tuchel is the material for this club. Why? Well, he is simply too defensive-minded for Bayern’s style of play and the system the Bavarians built over the years. City is the pick here, but those who aren’t sure about that go with over 2.5 goals. 

Pick: Manchester City wins +105