Champions League winners Bayern Munich contest the UEFA Super Cup match against Europa League champions Chelsea at Eden Arena in Prague, with Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho set to rekindle their rivalry.
The former Barcelona boss was always going to face a tough task at Alianz Arena after Jupp Heynckess led the Bavarians to a historic treble of titles last term.
The 4-2 German Super Cup defeat to rivals Borussia Dortmund was hardly a perfect start to the season, but the Bavarians then went on to record three Bundesliga victories, while defeating Schwarz-Weiss Rehden in the DFB Pokal.
However, hard-fought victories over Borussia M’Gladbach, Eintracht Frankfurt and Nurnberg hinted the team are still far from the desired form, while 1-1 draw with Freiburg came at the worst possible time.
Pep Guardiola rested a number of regular starters in Tuesday’s game at Mage Solar Stadion, but still fielded a side strong enough to record an easy victory, although not everything went according to plan.
As a result, the Bavarians are under pressure before the high-profile clash with Chelsea, so I am not sure odds of 1.83 (5/6) offered at William Hill on home win give the best value.
Thiago Alcantara and Holger Badstuber continues to miss out, whereas Bastian Schweinsteiger is doubtful with an ankle injury.
Probable starting line-up (4-1-4-1): Neuer – Lahm, Boateng, Dante, Alaba – Schweinsteiger – Robben, Gotze, Muller, Ribery – Mandzukic.
Chelsea find themselves vying for the UEFA Super Cup trophy for the second time in as many years, with the Champions League title in 2011/2012 seeing them qualify for last year’s match.
However, after losing 4-1 to Atletico Madrid last time out, the Blues will be hoping to fare much better against Bayern Munich.
They have every reason to feel confident ahead of the match in Prague, having enjoyed a bright start to the season under Jose Mourinho.
Back to back victories over Hull City and Aston Villa were followed by a goalless draw at Old Trafford, although it is important to note Chelsea had been completely outclassed by their title rivals.
The Blues probably wouldn’t mind being on the back foot against Bayern as well if that would see then lift the coveted trophy, and they are no less than 3.00 (2/1) at bet365 to emerge triumphant in Prague.
New signing Willian should be in the squad, while there are absolutely no selection worries for Jose Mourinho at the moment.
Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Cech – Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole – Ramires, Lampard – Hazard, Oscar, Schurrle – Torres.
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