Prediction: Salzburg vs Bayern Munich

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Unibet

Desperate to try and find an immediate boost when they open their Champions League knockout stage run on Wednesday night, Bayern Munich will make the trip to Salzburg for their first-leg showdown.

Salzburg

Starting with the hosts, last seen mounting a second-half comeback away at Rapid Vienna, some in Salzburg’s camp should be smelling the chance to cause a real European upset here. Eventually securing a late 2-1 win on the road last week, Head Coach Matthias Jaissle finds his side enjoying another domestic purple patch. Cruising their way to another Austrian Bundesliga crown this season, the Red Bulls hold a commanding 14-point buffer over the chasing pack. In fact, Wednesday’s hosts have remarkably won each of their last eight straight matchups across all formats, a run that stems all the way back to November 27th. Securing second-spot in Group G last year and pinching that final knockout place from Spanish outfit Sevilla, Salzburg should also be boosted by their continued success on home soil. Including a 3-1 win against LASK last time out in Wals-Siezenheim, Jaissle’s men are unbeaten at the Red Bull Arena so far this season.

Team News

Dealing with what is a real injury headache, Salzburg boss Matthias Jaissle is expected to be without the likes of Albert Vallci, Sekou Koita, Ousmane Diakite, Bryan Okoh, Benjamin Sesko and Bernardo in midweek.

Likewise, midfielder Zlatko Junuzovic is expected to undergo a late fitness test on Wednesday night.

Bayern Munich

As for the visitors, while Bayern Munich might have thought they had the perfect chance to pick up some momentum last weekend, the German giants are instead coming off the back of a nightmare display. Hit with a stunning 4-2 defeat away at Bochum, Head Coach Julian Nagelsmann has made it clear he is calling on an immediate response here. Storming their way out of Group E last year and not dropping a single point in doing so, Bayern should be glad to turn their attention back to Champions League duties on Wednesday night. Watching their three-match winning run come to an abrupt end last time out, the former RB Leipzig boss should at least be boosted by his side’s recent success against their Austrian opponents. Including an action-packed 6-2 victory when they made the trip to the Red Bull Arena in November 2020, Nagelsmann’s men have collected back-to-back wins against Salzburg, bagging nine goals.

Team News

Bayern have once again confirmed that the trio of Alphonso Davies, Manuel Neuer and midfielder Leon Goretzka will miss out on Wednesday’s first-leg meeting.

However, while Jamal Musiala might be dealing with a minor issue, the former Chelsea starlet could play some part here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off Bayern Munich picked up a 3-1 victory on home soil.
• Likewise, the last time the German gianst made the trip to Salzburg they picked up a 6-2 victory.
• However, Wednesday’s hosts have won each of their last eight matchups across all formats, a run that stems back to the end of November.
• Attacking talisman Robert Lewandowski has already racked up 26 goals in 22 Bundesliga outings this season.
• Three of Salzburg’s last four home fixtures have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While Bayern Munich might open Wednesday’s meeting as a standout pick with the bookmakers, the German heavyweights are coming off the back of a woeful display. Blown away in the first-half at Bochum and eventually hit with a stunning 4-2 defeat on the road, the former European champions have shown some recent cause for concern. Recording just a pair of clean sheets away from the Allianz since October, some in Salzburg’s camp could be smelling the chance to cause a real upset here. Storming their way to an eight-match winning run, the Austrian giants have also continued to impress with their displays on home soil. In a contest that could see chances at both ends of the pitch, we’re backing a lively affair on Wednesday night.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Unibet