Die Roten Bullen are enormous underdogs going into the final rounds. But they can take heart from Bayern’s shock Bundesliga loss to VfL Bochum last weekend.
Team News
Red Bull Salzburg
- Due to a muscular injury, Salzburg will be without striker Benjamin Sesko, who will be joined on the treatment table by Zlatko Junuzovic (heel), Albert Vallci (Achilles), Bryan Okoh, Bernardo, Sekou Koita, and Ousmane Diakite (all knee).
- Nicolas Capaldo started last Friday’s 2-1 league win over Rapid Wien. But after appearing as a substitute in all five of his Champions League games this season, the Argentine might be replaced by Nicolas Seiwald, who will likely play alongside Mohamed Camara and Luka Sucic in central midfield.
- Brenden Aaronson, a USA international, is anticipated to continue in an advanced midfield role behind forwards Karim Adeyemi and Okafor, who have combined for 30 goals in all competitions this season.
Bayern Munich
- Bayern will be without first-choice goalkeeper Manuel Neuer for the next three to five weeks following knee surgery earlier this month. Therefore, Sven Ulreich is expected to hold his spot in goal.
- Alphonso Davies is recovering from myocarditis, according to Nagelsmann, but the Canadian is still out, as are Leon Goretzka (knee) and Jamal Musiala (COVID-19).
- In the defeat to Bochum, the German manager picked an attacking team that comprised Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman, and Leroy Sane. However, one of the latter three might be replaced by Corentin Tolisso, who could start alongside Joshua Kimmich in a deeper midfield role.
- Full-backs Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez, as well as center-backs Niklas Sule and Dayot Upamecano, are expected to keep their spots in the starting XI, while talisman Robert Lewandowski will lead the line up front.
Prediction Analysis
While Bayern Munich will be strong favourites to win on Wednesday, Salzburg are expected to have their moments at home and will be confident of scoring against a Bayern side that has conceded in four of their previous five outings.
The prolific form of star player Lewandowski, on the other hand, should be enough to give the visitors a comfortable first-leg lead.
Our prediction is RB Salzburg 1-3 Bayern Munich.
Possible Lineup
Red Bull Salzburg: Sucic, Camara, Siewald; Aaronson; Adeyemi, Okafor; Kristensen, Onguene, Wober, Ulmer.
Bayern Munich starting lineup: Kimmich, Tolisso; Gnabry, Muller, Sane; Lewandowski; Ulreich; Pavard, Sule, Upamecano, Hernandez.