Hojdaren! – 1. Bayern Munich – Manchester United
Heavyweight meeting in Germany (To the European tip)
Erik ten Hag and his Manchester United return home to the Dutchman’s old hunting grounds on Wednesday. Between 2013 and 2015, Ten Hag worked in Bayern Munich’s management staff and the return visit will certainly be a trial by fire for The Red Devils. Not least considering how it has looked at the beginning of the Premier League. Three defeats in just five rounds is not acceptable for a team of Manchester United’s caliber.
It is possible to point to a number of problems with the guests, the biggest of which are found at the very top of the food chain. The ownership question needs an answer if the guests are not to end up even further from the other top clubs in Europe. Ahead of the meeting with the German giant, Manchester United is drawn with lots of interruptions. Shaw, Wan-Bissaka and Varane all look set to be missing in the back ranks while Mount is unsure of playing in the forward ranks.
The many defensive breakdowns became apparent against Brighton. The Seagulls played time after time past United’s tame pressure and that is something that needs to be improved if the English are not to leave the Allianz Arena with their tails between their legs. However, I want to highlight the supposed match picture as favorable for players like Höjlund, Rashford and Fernandes.
Bayern Munich stands very high with its back line, which Bayer Leverkusen took advantage of in Friday’s very early league final. Xabi Alonso’s men then left Munich with a point (2-2) and I won’t be surprised if United punish the home side via conversions. At the same time, visitors can see what awaits in the other direction. Firma Kane/Sané have enjoyed each other’s company and the duo can undeniably achieve a lot with very little.
This is undoubtedly Bayern Munich’s game to lose, but when the Germans lack a distinct “six” at the same time as brutally important Kimmich is pulled with question marks, I don’t want to throw myself over the number one. Especially not when it is sniffing at 80 percent. United thrive like fish in water when they get to play on conversions and in a supposedly goal-rich fight, the “old man” (one-two) is excellent.
Notable interruptions
Manuel Neuer, Bayern Munich (benbrott)
Raphaël Guerreiro, Bayern Munich (vadskada)
Luke Shaw, Manchester United (muskelskada)
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Manchester United (knäseneskada)
Tyrell Malacia, Manchester United (slap)
Amad Diallo, Manchester United (knee injury)
Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United (ankle injury)
Not sure about games
Joshua Kimmich, Bayern Munich (hälskada)
Kingsley Coman, Bayern Munich (muskelskada)
Raphaël Varane, Manchester United (slap)
Mason Mount, Manchester United (slap)
Sofyan Amrabat, Manchester United (back injury)
The nail! – 2. Arsenal – PSV Eindhoven
Arsenal is too good (for the European tip)
Opinions are divided about Arsenal’s performance against Everton. Despite the massive ball possession – over 70 percent – Arteta’s gang did not manage to create very many high-quality goal chances, but on the other hand, Everton were more or less completely harmless in the other direction. I’m not too concerned about the effort. Rather the opposite. Before the offense is fully functioning, it is very nice to be able to lean on a functioning defensive game.
In terms of xGA, Manchester City, Arsenal and – listen and be amazed – Crystal Palace are in a class of their own in the Premier League and I think it’s only a matter of time before the Gunners start to concede goals. Gabriel Jesus’ return from injury should be able to help with this and as far as the offensive dynamics are concerned, I would have liked to see Ödegaard operate as an “eight” on the left instead of on the right.
However, there are little things that tend to sort themselves out automatically. If Arsenal manage their defense as solidly against PSV as they did in the league game, the Dutch will find it very difficult to find the net at the Emirates. It should be mentioned that both Partey and Martinelli look set to miss the Champions League opener through injury, but I believe Arsenal can do well without the Ghanaian while Trossard can replace Martinelli without any loss of quality.
Lens must be excused, but together with Sevilla, PSV can be said to be the biggest challengers to Arsenal for the group victory. I don’t think any of the teams have the power to challenge the English all the way to the goal line and despite the visitors’ strong start in the Eredivisie, this will be an incredibly difficult task. In the weekend’s 4-0 victory against NEC Nijmegen, the feisty Lang was forced to go out with an injury and Sangaré has already left for Nottingham.
It’s two potentially heavy losses and as long as Saliba and Gabriel can cope with the physical battle against Luuk de Jong – something I think the duo will solve – I don’t see how PSV will leave north London with points. It is possible to argue that one is crossed out in the highest team, but I think there are better opportunities elsewhere. Arsenal begin their comeback in the Champions League with a win.
Notable interruptions
Jurriën Timber, Arsenal (knee injury)
Thomas Partey, Arsenal (groin injury)
Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal (hamstring)
Mauro Júnior, PSV Eindhoven (knee injury)
Armando Obispo, PSV Eindhoven (knee injury)
Fredrik Oppegård, PSV Eindhoven (knee injury)
Not sure about games
Noa Lang, PSV Eindhoven (slap)
The dragon! – 4. Real Sociedad – Inter
Inter is overvalued (to Europatipset)
As you know, Inter went all the way to the final in last year’s edition of the Champions League. There, Manchester City were ultimately overpowered, but there was really no fault in the effort from Simone Inzaghi’s gang. The Nerazzurri seem determined to have another strong season given their start to the current one. Four straight victories and a total goal difference of 13-1 are strong papers to say the least.
Speaking of strong papers, this weekend’s effort in the Derby della Madonnina was something really special. Milan were beaten 5-1 and the victory was just as fair as the numbers suggest. Thuram and Martínez created all sorts of problems for Milan who couldn’t handle the duo’s physicality. In the middle, Calhanoglu showed he is more than ready to shoulder Brozovic’s fallen mantle.
Mkhitaryan is also a player who deserves to be mentioned. The Armenian’s brace helped to humiliate the arch-rivals and I don’t think it’s wrong to say that Inter look a bit sharper than last year so far. Inzaghi and company travel to the Basque Country with an optimal squad to take on Real Sociedad, but I think this task could prove difficult. At least significantly more difficult than the punters seem to think.
On Sunday, La Real kept pace with Real Madrid at the Bernabéu where it would not have been unfair for the Basques to get a point. In terms of play, the hosts are filthy skillful under Alguacil’s management and I don’t see it as inconceivable that they manage to play past Inter’s defence. Zubimendi and Merino can make sure that any midfield has to chase the ball to the curse and there is no need for Real Sociedad’s attack either.
Oyarzabal, Sadiq and Barrenetxea all complement each other very well, but the one who stands out the most is Takefusa Kubo. The Japanese is heading for his big breakthrough this season and is a player that Inter really need to keep under close watch. I do not agree with the Swedish people who paint Inter as clear favourites. I see this meeting as much more even than the line shows. 1X is a cheeky choice.
Notable interruptions
Carlos Fernández, Real Sociedad (avstängd)
André Silva, Real Sociedad (muskelskada)
Aritz Elustondo, Real Sociedad (muscle fight)
2023-09-20 17:45:00
#Heavyweight #encounter #Bayerns #game #lose #United
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