Bayern Munich’s progression into the Champions League round of 16 is already secure, but they still have a big role to play in determining who joins them from Group A.
While they’ve struggled at times away from home, Bayern have prevailed in each of their opening four group games to open up an unassailable eight-point lead at the top.
Their next opponents, FC Copenhagen, currently occupy second spot and harbour hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages after beating Manchester United in a thriller on matchday four. The Danish giants haven’t progressed beyond the group stages in this competition since 2010/11.
While Bayern have nothing to play for in terms of group position, they are aiming to extend their unbeaten run in group stage matches to 39 games.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Bayern’s upcoming Champions League duel.
Bayern Munich vs Copenhagen H2H record (last five games)
Current form (all competitions)
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Country |
TV channel/live stream |
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United Kingdom |
TNT Sports 4, discovery+ App, discovery+ |
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United States |
Paramount+, ViX |
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Canada |
DAZN |
Thomas Tuchel has been managing a pretty thin squad at the start of 2023/24 due to injuries, but Bayern are slowly returning to full health.
However, they’ll still be without Jamal Musiala and Matthijs de Ligt on Wednesday night.
Alphonso Davies and Raphael Guerreiro are both available, with the former likely to start at left-back. Thomas Muller could also get a rare start in the #10 position. Leroy Sane could earn a rest with Serge Gnabry coming into the side.
Bayern predicted lineup vs Copenhagen (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Mazraoui, Kim, Upamecano, Davies; Laimer, Goretzka; Gnabry, Muller, Coman; Kane.
Copenhagen were stunned by a late Viborg goal at the weekend, but that shouldn’t change Jacob Neestrup’s plans too much in regard to team selection on Wednesday night.
The Danish boss will likely opt for the same starting XI that beat Manchester United 4-3 before the international break.
The visitors will be without William Clem, Davit Khocholava, and Birger Meling due to injuries.
Copenhagen predicted lineup vs Bayern (4-3-3): Grabara; Ankersen, Vavro, Diks, Jelert; Lerager, Falk, Goncalves; Elyounoussi, Claesson, Achouri.
Copenhagen certainly know where the back of the net is, and they certainly have the capacity to hurt Bayern’s aggressive defensive line.
Psychology will also be at play on Wednesday night given what both teams are playing for. Bayern could find themselves off the pace a little given their position in the group, while the visitors are vying for a rare knockout berth.
Nevertheless, even a half-cooked Bayern should be able to get the job done on home soil, but Copenhagen will undoubtedly make life tricky at times. This could be another Group A goal-fest.
