German Giants head to the Bridge in mouthwatering European tie

Chelsea host Bayern Munich in Frank Lampard’s first Champions League knockout tie as a manager.

Lampard has had a difficult start to his managerial career at Stamford Bridge. His side are in the thick of a battle of getting a place in the Champions League next season and have been unable to bring in any acquisitions to what is a youthful yet inexperienced side.

However, the Blues did get out of a difficult group, which included the likes of Valencia and last year semi-finalists Ajax. Chelsea are also 4th in the Premier League and their hopes of a place in next year’s competition have been boosted following their 2-0 victory over Spurs at the weekend.

With Olivier Giroud finding the net against Tottenham on Saturday, no doubt Lampard will be hoping he will bring additional firepower alongside Tammy Abraham, to help them progress to the quarter-finals.

Speaking of Spurs, Chelsea’s opponents Bayern Munich came top of a group which included their great London rivals. Bayern had enjoyed their last trip to the English Capital, embarrassing Spurs, 7-2 in October.

The Bavarians are in great form, Hans Flick took over from the sacked Niko Kovac in November and has seen his side embark on a nine-match unbeaten run, which has lifted them to the top of the Bundesliga.

Bayern have a lot to be positive for especially with a player like Robert Lewandowski. The striker, has netted 42 times this season, including ten goals in the Champions League.

Bayern however, were knocked out by English opposition, Liverpool, at this phase of the European Cup last season. Flick will be hoping his side can avoid a repeat of last year and put on a run which will help them go far in the competition.

The last time these two met in the Champions League was back in May 2012 in the final at Bayern’s Allianz Arena. Didier Drogba’s matchwinning spot-kick gave Chelsea their first European Cup.

Team news

For Chelsea – Marco Van Ginkel has a long-term knee injury, N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic have pelvic injuries, Callum Hudson Odoi has a thigh injury and Pedro is also out.

For Bayern Munich – Niklas Sule has a knee injury and Ivan Perisic has an ankle injury. However, Javi Martinez may feature for Bayern at Stamford Bridge

Frank Lampard is confident in his players although he knows it will be a tough 90 minutes for his young side.

“I trust in all the players who have been part of the squad this year.

“They’ve earned trust in the way they’ve played.

“A big part of my job tomorrow is to explain to the players that over two legs we need to be at our maximum. We need every detail, every box ticked in both games.

“We can’t get caught up in game moments. After the game, we will probably suffer. Bayern Munich are an incredible side with the ball. They’ve got some really talented players who keep the ball and use the ball well. If we have to suffer, we have to suffer. That’s our job over the next two games.”

Hans Flick on their English counterparts and the chances of his team being Champions League winners.

“I want to win every game, that’s part of my self-image as a coach. We’re preparing the team well for the opposition, which we’ve done very well up to now. We have the first leg in London, the second leg in Munich. It’s important that we send out a signal here.”

“The games have to be played first. We have enormous quality in the side, as they’ve proven in many games in recent months. Who knows where the path will take us, but we’re taking it one game at a time – right now the focus is on Chelsea. I hope we’ll be in the quarter-finals after the two legs, then we’ll see what comes.”