C h e l s e a v B a y e r n M u n i c h

In 2012 both were at the top of the world, while now they are in a renewal process. Frank Lampard, who lifted the big trophy as a player in that encounter at the Allianz, is now in charge of leading a rebuilding project with The Blues. Their season had started surprisingly well in spite of their transfer ban, but in recent weeks they had suffered a significant dip in form. However, their 2–1 win over Spurs on Saturday means that they retain the fourth spot in the Premier League.

On the other side, Hansi Flick has been the interim coach of Bayern since November. With Kovač, their domestic dominance was in serious danger of coming to an end. Nevertheless, Flick has restored the calmness and the Bavarians now hold a one-point lead at the top of the league table.

Meanwhile, in the Champions League group stage they were unstoppable: 6 wins out of 6, including a 2–7 demolition to Tottenham in their last visit to London. Die Roten’s main strengths are found in their ever-lasting competitiveness, and in Lewandowski, who has 38 goals in all competitions this term.

Instead, Chelsea’s striker role is more open. Abraham is edging his way back to full fitness and Giroud was the man to open the scoring against Spurs. Still, if fully fit Abraham may be the chosen one. The locals will come with an attacking mind in front of their crowd. With the absences of Kanté, Pulisic and Hudson-Odoi, they could repeat their back 3 with Marcos Alonso and Reece James at wing-backs, and Willian instead of Barkley.

P o s s i b l e X I s

C h e l s e a

Caballero

Azpilicueta · Christensen · Rüdiger

James · Jorginho · Kovačić · Alonso

Mount · Abraham · Willian

B a y e r n M u n i c h

Neuer

Pavard · Boateng · Alaba · Alphonso Davies

Kimmich · Thiago

Coman · Müller · Gnabry

Lewandowski