Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
Twelve years on from the famous Champions League final in Munich, when Chelsea heroically beat Bayern in a penalty shootout (2:1), the two sides meet again to launch a new European campaign. Bookmakers lean towards the German side in their blistering form, though in the Bundesliga they’ve yet to face truly stiff competition.
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich come into the Champions League riding a five-match winning streak, with every game clearing over 2.5 goals. They’re the only Bundesliga team yet to drop points, crushing Leipzig (6:0) and Hamburg (5:0) along the way. Their attack is in frightening shape, generating 9.71 xG (by far the league’s best), but defensive lapses persist. Both Wiesbaden in the Cup and Augsburg in the league scored twice in 3:2 contests, proving even weaker opponents can trouble Bayern at the back.
Chelsea
Chelsea, meanwhile, spent the first month of the Premier League locked in London derbies. After convincing wins over West Ham United (5:1) and Fulham (2:0), the team let victory slip at Brentford (2:2). They still boast the best xG in the league (8.51), and the absence of Liam Delap hasn’t been a setback — João Pedro has slotted in seamlessly as a starter.
Bayern Munich vs Chelsea Prediction
An added subplot is Nicolas Jackson, now in Bayern’s squad, who will be eager to cause damage against his former club. Everything points to a thrilling encounter packed with chances and goals.
