Bayern Munich v Chelsea – Line-ups, stats and preview
Bayern Munich take on Chelsea this coming Wednesday in the Champions League. Read our in-depth preview here.
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Match Preview for Bayern Munich v Chelsea
The standout tie of Champions League matchweek one sees Bayern Munich and Chelsea lock horns at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, a repeat of the iconic 2012 final.
Vincent Kompany’s Bayern have started the season in ruthless fashion, sweeping aside all challengers domestically and already lifting the German Super Cup.
They arrive on a run of five wins from five in the Bundesliga, the latest a 5-0 demolition of Hamburg.
The Bavarians boast a formidable home record in the competition, going unbeaten in 34 consecutive group-stage fixtures at the Allianz Arena.
Their last such defeat came in December 2013, when Kompany himself was an unused substitute for Manchester City in a 3-2 win. They have also triumphed in their opening Champions League game in each of the past 22 seasons.
Chelsea, by contrast, return to Europe’s top stage after a two-year absence, entering as Club World Cup and Conference League holders.
Their place was only secured on the final day of the Premier League campaign, but Enzo Maresca’s side showed their pedigree with a win over holders Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final.
The Blues remain unbeaten in the new Premier League season, though derby draws with Crystal Palace and Brentford have slightly dampened their momentum.
They may cherish memories of that night in Munich 13 years ago, but Bayern have since dominated this fixture, winning three straight meetings, including a 7-1 aggregate thrashing in 2020.
Team news for Bayern Munich v Chelsea
Bayern will be without Jamal Musiala, who suffered a serious leg and ankle injury at the Club World Cup. He is joined on the sidelines by Hiroki Ito (leg), Alphonso Davies (knee), and Raphael Guerreiro (ribs), leaving Kompany with limited options at left-back.
Despite Nicolas Jackson being eligible to face his parent club, Harry Kane is expected to lead the line once again, supported by Luis Diaz, who has scored in each of his first three Bundesliga outings.
Chelsea’s injury list remains just as long. Liam Delap (hamstring), Benoit Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, and Dario Essugo (thigh) are all unavailable, while Mykhaylo Mudryk is suspended.
Estevao Willian is a doubt with illness, and Facundo Buonanotte has not been included in Maresca’s Champions League squad.
Cole Palmer is pushing for a start after scoring off the bench in the draw with Brentford, while Joao Pedro is also in contention despite fitness concerns. The Brazilian already has five goal contributions in just four league appearances.
Expected line-ups for Bayern Munich v Chelsea
Bayern Munich: Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Gnabry, Diaz; Kane
Chelsea (possible XI):
Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro
How to watch Bayern Munich v Chelsea: TV channel, online stream
The match will be broadcast live on major Champions League rights holders across Europe and globally. UK viewers can follow the action on TNT Sports with streaming available via the discovery+ app.
US coverage will be provided by Paramount+. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm BST.
The stats for Bayern Munich v Chelsea
- Bayern are unbeaten in their last 34 home group-stage matches in the Champions League
- The Bundesliga champions have won their opening UCL fixture for 22 consecutive seasons
- Chelsea are returning to the competition for the first time since 2022–23
- Bayern have won three straight meetings against Chelsea, including a 7-1 aggregate in 2020
- Harry Kane has scored or assisted in each of his last five appearances for Bayern
- Cole Palmer has registered five goal contributions in four league matches this season
Prediction
Chelsea have already shown under Maresca that they can rise to the occasion, as their dismantling of Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final proved.
However, Bayern’s relentless firepower, combined with their remarkable home record makes them overwhelming favourites.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-2 Chelsea