Bayern Munich v Chelsea: Teams confirmed as Blues make Champions League return to site of greatest-ever night
The Allianz Arena will bring back fond memories for Chelsea fans
Chelsea make their long-awaited return to the Champions League this evening, but it’s something of a baptism of fire with a trip to Munich to face the German champions.
The Allianz Arena, however, conjures up fond memories for Blues fans. It was the backdrop for arguably the greatest night in the club’s history when they defeated Bayern to lift their first ever Champions League trophy back in 2012.
Last season’s Conference League winners and this summer’s Club World Cup champions return to the Europe’s elite competition for the first time since 2023.
Bayern, meanwhile, have started their domestic campaign in fine form, winning each of their opening three matches and scoring 14 goals in the process. Harry Kane has netted five of those.
Here are how the two teams line up for this heavyweight clash.
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Bayern Munich team news
Several of Bayern’s starting XI will be familiar foe for Chelsea, having previously played in the Premier League.
Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry, Luis Diaz and Kane all featured in England’s top flight and are named from the start by manager Vincent Kompany, himself a former Premier League player and manager.
Jamal Musiala is out long term with a broken leg, while Nicolas Jackson, who is on a season-long loan from Chelsea, is on the bench.
Bayern XI: Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Gnabry, Luis Diaz; Kane
Subs: Ulreich, Urbig, Kim, Goretzka, Bischof, Boey, Kiala, Karl, David Daiber, Jackson
Chelsea team news
Cole Palmer makes his return to the starting line-up, with his only previous start this season coming on the opening day of the Premier League season against Crystal Palace.
Marc Cucurella comes back into the side after only coming on at half-time at the weekend, while Reece James replaces Wesley Fofana.
Liam Delap is out until at least December with a hamstring tear.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, James; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro
Subs: Jorgensen, Curd, Fofana, Acheampong, Hato, Andrey Santos, Buonanotte, Garnacho, George, Estevao, Gittens, Guiu