Bayern Munich travel to Ukraine as they begin their European campaign against Shakhtar Donetsk. The Germans will be looking to wrestle the crown back from Real Madrid and what better start than playing a winnable opposition in early rounds.
Shakhtar will be looking to upset the Pep Guardiola’s side as in past they’ve shown that it is very well within their reach. But it is not going to be that easy for the Ukrainian side.
Bayern’s record in Ukraine is not so fantastic as they’ve won just once in their last four visits there but the Miners’ too have a pathetic record against the German oppositions. This makes the tie even more interesting.
Team News
Injuries have plagued Bayern throughout the season as Guardiola may be without Xabi Alonso because of a hamstring complaint, while captain Philipp Lahm, Javi Martinez and Thiago Alcantara remain sidelined. This gives the hosts a good chance against their visitors in their home conditions.
On the other hand, the hosts will be without Taras Stepanenko because of suspension, but the Champions League's leading goalscorer this year Luiz Adriano is fit to lead the attack.
Probable Lineups
Shakhtar - yatov; Srna, Ordets, Rakitskiy, Shevchuk; Teixeira, Bernard,
Costa, Fernando; Adriano, Taison
Bayern - Neuer; Bernat, Benatia, Boateng, Rafinha; Schweinsteiger, Alaba, Muller, Robben, Ribery; Lewandowski
TFM predicts a comfortable 3-0 win for Bayern as Shakhtar’s rustiness due to lack of game time will leave them a bit jaded against the Germans who are in top form.
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