Premier League Liverpool are set to take on Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich in the Champions League round of 16 at the Allianz Arena.
Lothar Mathaus has backed Bayern Munich to beat Liverpool in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, in quotes reported by the FAZ.
The two sides played out a disappointing goalless draw at Anfield three weeks ago, with the Reds missing a whole host of first-half chances – Sadio Mane being the biggest culprit.
As a result, the tie is finely poised heading into the decider in Munich though Liverpool are set to come up against a Bayern side who have been in ominous form since they fired a blank on Merseyside.
Niko Kovac’s side have hit their stride in style, beating Wolfsburg and their usual bogey side Borussia Monchengladbach with an aggregate scoreline of 11-1.
And Mathaus, who won seven league titles and the 1990 Ballon D’Or with Bayern, believes the current Bundesliga leaders are the slight favourites.
“Due to the performances shown in recent games, I am convinced that the Bayern reach the quarter-finals,” Mathaus said.
“0-0 is a good scoreline but of course a dangerous result. If you have to score yourself, Liverpool will also get more room (to counter). But Bayern are playing at home.”
Liverpool will take plenty of confidence from the fact that they kept the lethal Robert Lewandowski quiet at Anfield despite being forced to play without their influential centre-back Van Dijk.
The Dutchman is expected to return on Wednesday, however, and will likely partner Joel Matip at centre-back with Fabinho moving forward into midfield.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
