Bayern Munich v Barcelona: More misery for La Liga giants

Bayern Munich don’t need the points, but Dan Fitch nevertheless thinks that they’ll take all three when they host Barcelona.

Bayern Munich 1.684/6 v Barcelona 4.77/2; The Draw 5.04/1
Wednesday 8 December, 20:00
Live on BT Sport 3

Barca could exit the Champions League

Barcelona are fighting to remain in the Champions League and their challenge could hardly be tougher.

Currently second in Group E, Barcelona are only two points ahead of Benfica, who have a home match against Dynamo Kiev. Barca’s final fixture, away at Bayern, is clearly much tougher and it’s Benfica who have the superior head-to-head record, should the teams finish level on points.

Over the weekend, Barcelona suffered their first defeat since Xavi was appointed as manager, when they lost 1-0 at home to Betis. That loss leaves Barca in seventh place, some six points away from fourth place.

In contrast, Bayern Munich are top of the Bundesliga, with their 3-2 win at second placed Dortmund on Saturday, extending their lead to four points. Bayern have already won Group E with some ease, after claiming victory in all five of their games, which included a 3-0 win at the Camp Nou in the reverse fixture.

Bayern are value

Bayern Munich are the 1.684/6 favourites, with Barcelona at 4.77/2 and the draw at 5.04/1.

That’s a very good price for Bayern. There is a tendency for the market to overreact when it comes to matters of motivation. Bayern don’t need a win, but there’s a reason for that. They are by far the strongest team in this group and have won all of their games with relative ease.

Julian Nagelsmann picked a near full-strength side in Bayern’s last match against Dynamo Kiev, when he could have chosen to rotate. Bayern can deliver a powerful blow to a club that are historically a rival in European competition and you should back them to do so at 1.684/6.

Source: Betfair Champions League