Champions League: Manchester City vs. Bayern Munich Preview, Odds, Predictions

The biggest game of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals is in Manchester, where City hosts Bayern Munich. The two top contenders for the title clash in what should be the festival of goals and good football. Both units have established themselves as offensive-minded crews with plenty of players who are able to score. Bayern’s head coach was replaced during the international break, with Thomas Tuchel stepping in instead of Julian Nagelsmann. Guardiola and the Citizens didn’t change anything in their relationship because they had no problems.

Manchester City vs. Bayern Munich Preview

Manchester City (-120) has Haaland back in the mix. The Norwegian had to skip some games, but is back in action and has already scored against Southampton, reaching the mark of 30 goals, becoming only the tenth player in Premiership history to do so. 

The Citizens had gone 12 games in a row without suffering a loss, with the 1-4 win over the Saints at St. Mary’s being the most recent. When looking at the games played at home, the EPL champions have 13 straight without a defeat, recording nine triumphs and four draws. 

Guardiola’s unit is highly confident at the Etihad, netting three times in seven of those nine victories. Their form is improving, and we can expect to see it reaching a peak over the next month or so.

Bayern Munich (+350) won in Freiburg, 0-1, but the overall impression wasn’t positive. Tuchel has plenty of problems on the field, and it was pure luck for the Bavarians to keep their net intact. On the other side, the forwards, especially Leroy Sane, have missed a few chances to score, increasing the frustration among the fans. 

Following a 1-2 loss at the Allianz in the DFB Pokal against the same rivals, questions emerged about whether Tuchel is the right choice for Bayern. His mentality isn’t as offensive as Naggelsman’s or Flick’s. 

The team from Bavaria plays interesting matches on the road, with just one since mid-February with under 2.5 goals. Though, the performances weren’t confident, and we saw them losing to Borussia Monchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen.

Manchester City vs. Bayern Munich Latest News

Phil Foden is the only one who isn’t available for City due to appendicitis.

Choupo-Moting might be out, which will be a big problem for Bayern, because the Cameroonian fits their tactical preferences well. Mathys Tel is out, Lucas Hernandez too, and Manu Neuer finished his season. 

Manchester City vs. Bayern Munich Head to Head Games

There weren’t too many games in the past between these two units. One friend was recorded in recent times, last summer. City was better than Bayern, 1-0, and the only scorer was…. Haaland. 

Manchester City vs. Bayern Munich Predictions

The thing with Bayern is that their morale is shaken at the worst possible moment of the year. Tuchel’s arrival definitely caused certain turbulences, and we don’t see Bayern fluid as it used to be under Nagelsmann. That’s not the case with the hosts, who are favorites here, and who should win this one. Guardiola’s machinery will certainly exploit all the problems their opponents face, plus, Haaland wants to keep his productivity against Bayern at a high level. The odds of Manchester City winning are at -120.

Manchester City vs. Bayern Munich Pick: Manchester City -120

• Other UEFA Champions League previews and picks:
  • AC Milan vs. Napoli
  • Benfica vs. Inter Milan
  • Real Madrid vs. Chelsea