Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Prediction: Bayern Munich vs Celtic

Verdict: Bayern Munich and over 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Bet365

For matchday three, the 2013 Champions League winners will be playing host to the reigning Scottish champions Celtic, in a match that will be Bayern Munich’s new coach Jupp Heynckes’ first Champions League game in charge of the Bavarians.

Bayern Munich

Could one of Europe’s most feared teams be beginning to show some cracks? Well, for Bayern Munich, this season really hasn’t gone quite to plan. After sacking veteran manager Carlo Ancelotti last month, the nine-time Bundesliga champions find themselves in a very unusual situation, they currently sit two points behind rivals Borussia Dortmund and more worryingly, they have already dropped points on three separate occasions so far this season.

It’s not all doom and gloom tho, despite speculation that Bayern’s current crop of stars are starting to enter the twilight of their careers, Bayern still have the power and the quality to mix it with the world elite. The hosts will be coming into the match off the back of hammering Freiburg 5-0 last weekend, Bayern will be feeling confident against a Celtic side who have already lost 5-0 at home to PSG in this seasons campaign.

Bayern will also be out to prove a point, in matchday two Bayern were dismantled away in Paris and came away with a 3-0 loss. Despite some key men missing for Tuesday nights contest, Bayern have already found the back of the net 35 times this season and nine-goal Robert Lewandowski will be looking to add to his tally.

Team News

Bayern will once again be without Germany number one Manuel Neuer, the World Cup winner is still sidelined with a broken foot. Along with Neuer, Munich will also be missing winger Frank Ribery and Spanish defender Javi Martinez looks to be a doubt after picking up a shoulder injury.

Bayern will be able to call upon Chile international Arturo Vidal tho, the midfielder has recovered from a knock that he picked up on international duty. World Cup-winning dup Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng also look set to make their first appearance of the tournament.

Celtic

For Celtic on the other hand, it appears to have been an almost routine start to life in the SPFL, the defending Scottish champions currently sit top of the table and although they are still unbeaten domestically, Celtic have already dropped points twice this year.

The Hoops currently sit third in Group B and their customary spot in the Europa League looks a near certainty. It’s not only in Scotland that Celtic have looked to prove tough opposition tho, after suffering a 5-0 drumming at the hands of group leaders PSG, Brendan Rodgers’ men bounced back immediately and demolished Anderlecht 3-0 away from home in matchday two.

But, sadly for Celtic, Bayern will prove a much tougher challenge. Celtic’s form away from home in the Champions League also leaves allot to be desired, they have only managed to pick up three wins out of their last 12 trips away from Celtic Park.

Team News

Celtic will be happy to welcome captain Scott Brown back to the squad, their captain has not featured since Celtic’s 3-0 win against Anderlecht. The Hoops will also be welcoming back fellow midfielder Stuart Armstrong who also looks set to play some part in the game.

Celtic will however be without Bosnian defender Jozo Simunovic for Wednesday’s game, after picking up a hamstring injury he did not make the journey to Germany.

Key Factors to Consider

  • Robert Lewandowski has already scored 18 goals in 16 appearances for club and country this term
  • Celtic have never won away at a Bundesliga club
  • Bayern have won their past four encounters against any Scottish side
  • Bayern have not lost a Champions League game at home since December 2013
  • Celtic have only won three of their last 12 European game

Conclusion

Although Celtic may currently sit top of the SPFL table, they don’t look like the side that so effortlessly ran away with all domestic honours last season. Coupled with the fact that Bayern Munich are almost unstoppable at the Allianz Arena, it looks like it should be a routine victory for the defending German champions.

After conceding five at home to PSG, Celtic have shown that they have problems defensively and Bayern have been ruthless in front of goal when playing in Europe, scoring four or more goals in ten of their last 15 appearances in the Champions League. It looks like goals shouldn’t be hard to come by on Wednesday night, Bayern Munich and over 3.5 goals looks like a good bet.

Verdict: Bayern Munich and over 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 6/4

Bookmaker: Bet365

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Dunstan


Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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