Allen Hamilton
What: Champions League – Group A
Who: Manchester City vs Bayern Munich
When: Wednesday 7th December, 2011, at 19:45 UK time
Where: Eastlands, Manchester, England
Righting Munich Wrongs
Manchester City need to defeat Bayern Munich and hope that Napoli fail to beat Villarreal if they are to progress to the Round of 16. That Roberto Mancini’s men had been handed a nightmare group for their first foray into the Champions League was understood as soon as the balls rolled out to make up Group A. However, in many ways City’s problems have been entirely of their own construction.
At the Allianz Arena, one matchday after a tentative start to Champions League life with a home draw against Napoli, the Citizens wilted. Bayern Munich’s movement was too good for a leaden-footed City defence and then, just when a comeback might have been on the cards, Carlos Tevez refused to warm up. All eyes were on the bench rather than the pitch. The Citizens’ Champions League campaign has been a lesson in how to stumble and could not be in greater contrast to their all-conquering Premier League form.
Now, against Bayern, a side whose management have fired broadside after broadside against City due to the English side’s Middle Eastern investment, a chance remains to right wrongs. And for David Silva, the Citizens’ pass-master, lofty goals should still be set, no matter that a favour from Villarreal is needed.
"Of course we’ve got to do well in the Champions League and, well, we should aim to win it", said the midfielder. "I don’t think that is out of the question."
Victory Not Just For Victory’s Sake
Bayern Munich have already secured top spot in Group A and coach Jupp Heynckes and his side would be forgiven for taking their foot off the pedal a little at Eastlands. But the Germans are not a team to go quietly into the night, and may well have reasoned City could be a longer term threat that Napoli in this competition. Why not then ensure Mancini’s men are dumped out?
The Bavarians will arrive in England in good heart, having ended a run of two successive Bundesliga defeats in style, seeing off Werder Bremen 4-1. Bayern had been affected by losses to Borussia Dortmund and Mainz respectively and were happy to get back to winning ways, as captain Philipp Lahm acknowledged.
"For preference we’d always be right at the top. When you lose twice in a row it chips away at your confidence and you could see that at times against Werder Bremen."
While Heynckes may give some fringe players a chance to impress at Eastlands, that does not mean Bayern’s level will necessarily dip. Strength in depth is one of the club’s hallmarks.
Recent form
Manchester City:
Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
(27/11; Premier League)
Arsenal 0-1 Manchester City
(29/11; League Cup)
Manchester City 5-1 Norwich City (03/12; Premier League)
Bayern Munich:
Bayern Munich 3-1 Villarreal
(22/11; Champions League)
Mainz 3-2 Bayern Munich (27/11; Bundesliga)
Bayern Munich 4-1 Werder Bremen (03/12; Bundesliga)
Key absences
Manchester City: None
Bayern Munich: Bastian Schweinsteiger; Breno
Players to watch
Manchester City – Joe Hart: While it is goals City need in this game, the side will also need Hart to ensure that Bayern Munich do not scupper their attacking play. Even if City have the Germans on the back foot, Hart should be called into action, often at a moment’s notice. A solid foundation is required for success here.
Bayern Munich – Jerome Boateng: This will be a special night for Boateng, returning to the club he left in the summer to head back to Germany. In England the defender found the competition for a first team spot tough and jumped at the chance to join Bayern. Now he can inflict a serious blow on his former team-mates by keeping their forwards at bay.
Match Prediction
Manchester City are sure to feel the weight of expectation here, while Bayern Munich can play fairly freely. This looks set to be a game which could go either way, but City’s hunger and prolific form in front of goal should see them edge it. Manchester City 3-2 Bayern Munich.
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