Bayern Munich vs Red Star: Champions League

Bayern Munich face off against FK Crvena zvezda (or Red Star, in the opening match of the group stage.

Team news

Bayern Munich have two injuries heading into the game Leon Goretzka (thigh) and David Alaba (torn muscle). Goretzka’s absence is unfortunate, but Corentin Tolisso can cover for him.

Robert Lewandowski will surely lead the lineup joined by Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry on the left and right flanks respectively, although there is a small chance that one of them may sit this one out in favor of Ivan Perisic.

In midfield, expect a dual pivot of Thiago Alcantara and Corentin Tolisso. Tolisso came on against RB Leipzig on the weekend but was unable to guide the Bavarians to victory in Leon Goretzka’s absence. Alphonso Davies IS an option at left back, but it’s a bit early for the young Canadian to play there in a Champions League fixture. Therefore, Lucas Hernandez should reprise his role as Bayern’s LB. Jerome Boateng will get the start once again. Niklas Sule is also the most likely candidate to partner him, leaving the right back position for Benjamin Pavard or Joshua Kimmich.

For Red Star, this will be their second successive season in the Champions League after making their debut last year, when they shocked many by beating Liverpool before eventually finishing bottom of their group.

Vladan Milojevic‘s side have already recorded aggregate triumphs over FK Suduva, HJK Helsinki, FC Copenhagen and Young Boys.

Milan Pavkov, scored a double and the forward fired in another brace at the weekend against Indija to take him to six goals in eight games for the season.

Central to Red Star’s hopes of victory will be centre-back Milos Degenek, the team’s main defensive organiser, captain Marko Marin, their main playmaker, and wingers Aleksa Vukanovic and Ben Nabouhane, their key avenues of attack on the counter.

Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:
Neuer; Pavard, Sule, Boateng, Hernandez; Kimmich, Thiago; Coman, Coutinho, Gnabry; Lewandowski

Red Star Belgrade possible starting lineup:
Borjan; Gobeljic, Degenek, Babic, Rodic; Canas, Jovancic; Nabouhane, Marin, Vukanovic; Pavkov.