Bayern Munich welcome Sporting Lisbon to the Allianz Arena looking to bounce back from their 3–1 Champions League defeat to Arsenal, though their domestic form remains strong after a commanding 5–0 win over Stuttgart. Sporting, meanwhile, arrive in excellent rhythm with a 12-match unbeaten run across competitions, including a confident 3–0 victory over Club Brugge in Europe. Historically, Bayern have dominated this fixture, unbeaten in four meetings and strong against Portuguese teams at home.
Bayern remain without Luis Díaz due to suspension, while Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala continue their recovery. Serge Gnabry and Michael Olise are expected to start on the wings, supporting Harry Kane who is likely to return to the XI. Sporting also have key absentees, including Zeno Debast and Daniel Bragança, though they may be boosted by Fotis Ioannidis’ availability from the bench.
The tactical battle is expected to see Bayern control possession and overload wide areas, while Sporting will rely on compact defending and quick transitions. Bayern’s midfield pairing of Kimmich and Goretzka should have a strong influence, but Sporting’s organised core and attacking options like Trincão and Suárez keep them competitive.
Team Prediction:
Bayern Munich: Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Karl, Gnabry; Kane
Sporting Club: Silva; Araujo, Inacio, Diomande, Fresneda; Simoes, Hjulmand; Catamo, Trincao, Goncalves; Suarez
