All to play for as Bayern Munich take on Liverpool in the second leg

After a tight affair at Anfield three weeks ago, Liverpool make the trip to Bavaria after the first leg finished goalless. During the ninety minutes both European powerhouses could not be separated, with the two opting against their usual expansive, attacking approach.

Finishing runner up in last year’s competition, Jurgen Klopp heads back to his homeland in the hope of progressing into the quarter finals. However, with the Reds tussling Manchester City on the domestic front, there is an argument that their eye could be taken of the ball in Europe.

Following BT Sport’s decision to move Liverpool’s home game against Burnley to Sunday, the Reds have had less time to prepare for the second leg. Jurgen Klopp admits the short turnaround could play a factor:

“Of course it is a difference. If we had Saturday to Wednesday, Sunday morning would be recovery, a little session Monday, a proper session on Tuesday and then you play on Wednesday.

“This is not about us looking for excuses, because we don’t. We accept how it is but somebody else has to think about that. Somebody else who makes decisions.”

Scoring eleven goals in their last two games, Bayern Munich’s strike force has been in scintillating form, with Robert Lewandowski bagging four of them. Following a mixed start to life at Munich, Niko Kovac has restored an element of calmness to the side.

The 6-0 thrashing of Wolfsburg put the club back to the summit of Bundesliga, silencing the doubts surrounding the Croatian.

Team News

For the Bundesliga champions, there is bittersweet news on the injury front.

Kinglsey Coman could return following a thigh problem but veteran winger Arjen Robben is out after suffering a calf injury in training. Speaking in his press conference ahead of their match against Wolfsburg on the weekend Kovac said:

“Arjen Robben injured his calf and won’t make the squad (but) Coman is on his way back and we’re hopeful for the Liverpool game. Arjen definitely won’t be ready for that game. We expect (Corentin) Tolisso back at the end of this month.”

Despite returning to play in an under 23 game last week, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is unlikely to feature after being taken off before half time as a precaution. Joe Gomez is also ruled out but is expected to make his comeback after the international break.

Vice captain James Milner missed Liverpool’s 4-2 win against Burnley after playing with a muscle injury in recent weeks. Although eager to play some part, the veteran is in a race to be fit for the European clash.