Olympiacos travel to Munich to face wounded Bayern
 

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 4

Olympiacos head to Germany to play Bayern Munich in Matchday 4 of the 2019/20 UEFA Champions’ League. AGONAsport’s George Tsitsonis previews the battle.

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While the German giants will be the overwhelming favorites to win this Group B clash there may be a feeling of uncertainty permeating the Allianz Arena in Munich on Wednesday evening. Coming off of a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend, the question is whether Bayern will still be smarting from that domestic smackdown. Manager Niko Kovac was given the sack following the heavy defeat which leaves the reigning German champs four points off the pace in the Bundesliga.

Bayern’s domestic troubles are in sharp contrast to their European form this season. Victory against Olympiacos on Wednesday will see them book their place in the Champions’ League Round of 16 with two matches to spare. The team’s performances in Europe have been superb during the current campaign, specifically the epic 7-2 away victory at Tottenham. The Germans will be led out on Wednesday by interim manager Hansi Flick.

Olympiacos travel to Germany on the back of a disappointing 0-0 draw away to Xanthi at the weekend. Though they were stymied by Xanthi’s packed defense, there was some satisfaction at the fact that they maintained their lead atop of the Greek Super League 1 standings as PAOK failed to beat Panathinaikos.

While the focus for Pedro Martins’ side appears to be on winning the domestic title, there is still all to play for with regard to third place (and even second place) in Group B. The pressure will be off the Greek team in a match they will not be fancied to get anything from. Should they find a way to nick a point off of the Germans it could prove decisive in their bid to qualify for the Europa League ahead of likely challengers Red Star Belgrade. 

TEAM NEWS: Bayern Munich

Niklas Sule remains the biggest miss for Bayern with the German international out for the long-term with an ACL injury. Otherwise, the Bavarians can point to a mostly injury-free squad barring the recent knocks to Jann-Fiete Arp (fractured wrist) and Lucas Hernandez (ankle). Flick is expected to name a strong side, but there is also a chance he may rest players ahead of the big Bundesliga derby versus Borussia Dortmund at the weekend for Bayern.

Possible Line-up: Neuer, Kimmich, Pavard, Boateng, Alaba, Tolisso, Goretzka, Coman, Coutinho, Perisic, Lewandowski

TEAM NEWS: Olympiacos

Vasilis Torosidis remains a doubt due to a back issue. His potential absence is in addition to the long-term injuries of Kostas Fortounis and Lazaros Christodoulopoulos, though the latter is expected to make his return to the squad soon. Mathieu Valbuena looks set to feature after his recent lay-off, but he will likely come off the bench for the Piraeus side.

Possible Line-up (4-3-3): Sa, Tsimikas, Semedo, Meriah, Elabdellaoui, Bouchalakis, Guilherme, Camara, Masouras, Podence, Guerrero

REFEREE: Pawel Raczkowski 

The 36-year-old Raczkowski will be the man in the middle of this encounter. The Polish official has only been in charge of one match involving a Greek side, PAOK’s 2-0 away loss to Ostersund back in August 2017 for the Europa League qualifiers. After taking control of some Europa League qualifiers in 2013, Raczkowski has worked his way up the ranks and officiated his first Champions’ League Group Stage match last season. 

Referee: Paweł Raczkowski (POL)

Assistant referees: Michal Obukowicz (POL), Radosław Siejka (POL)

Fourth official: Krzysztof Jakubik (POL)

Video Assistant Referee: Alejandro Hernández (ESP)

Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tomasz Kwiatkowski (POL)

by George Tsitsonis

Image Source: to10.gr

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