FC Bayern
Munich will again be able to play with a real nine against Pep Guardiola’s eleven up front. After his return to training yesterday, Monday, the 34-year-old attacker also took part in today’s final training session. In the run-up to today’s press conference, Tuchel did not want to guarantee a commitment from the start: “I have not decided yet. If the knee gives a good reaction then he’s definitely an option for the starting XI.”
According to Tuchel, Sadio Mané will have to be patient after his punch against Leroy Sané, as in the first leg: “We will see. Sadio will be in the squad because that’s the end of it with last Thursday’s decision. We’ll have to wait and see tomorrow whether he’ll play from the start.”
With regard to the basic formation, the Munich team will continue to play in a 4-2-3-1. “Tomorrow we don’t have time to change basic orders, so there needs to be a position for everyone.”, said Tuchel when asked about the possible role of João Cancelo. Accordingly, the Bayern coach will not conjure up any surprises and will rely on the best possible eleven.
Manchester City
Despite the comfortable lead from the first leg, the Skyblues will by no means put on the handbrake. Pep Guardiola has taken to his new 3-2-4-1 formation, which sees central defender John Stones in possession as part of the double six. Against the ball, City then closes the shop with a nominal four central defenders. So Choupo-Moting can expect a couple of tough duels in the center.
Guardiola made it clear at today’s press conference that he doesn’t want to give Bayern a chance to come back: “It’s about finding the balance. We want to play our style and have to be focused. Everything is possible. This competition is something special. We take him very seriously and we know we’re playing against one of the best teams in Europe. That’s how we approach the game.”
Guardiola rotated through a few positions in the 3-1 win against Leicester City. Accordingly, the eleven from the first leg will probably be back on the pitch in the Allianz Arena.
