FC Bayern will face Sporting Lisbon at the Allianz Arena on December 9, kicking off at 18:45. Bayern are the clear favorites according to many experts, but we have taken a closer look at the odds, predictions and past results
A look at the odds reveals the favorite
If you look at the odds for the match, it is immediately apparent that FC Bayern are the clear favourites. This is due to the team’s current form and home advantage. At wettenoesterreich.at, it is easy to find the bookmakers with the best odds, and here is what we found
- Bayern win with odds of 1.2
- Draw with odds of 7.5
- Win Sporting with odds of 12.00
Sporting are not expected to stand a chance against Bayern, who are strong at home. Although Sporting are in 8th place with 10 points and only two points behind Bayern, the bookmakers still see Bayern as the favourites
The key players at a glance
Bayern’s key players have clearly shown themselves in recent weeks, with Michael Olise and Harry Kane leading the way and terrifying any defence. Kimmich is also one of the key players and is regarded as the conductor in midfield. But who should we look out for at Sporting?
First and foremost, we need to take a look at their stable defence. Captain Morten Hjulmand provides stability in defensive midfield, while Gonçalo Inácio and Ousmane Diomande form the central defence, which they will need to overcome
A look at past games
The teams have only played each other four times in the past, with FC Bayern Munich winning three games and drawing one. Sporting are still waiting for their first win against the Munich side. Here is an overview of the past games
| Date | Home team | Result | Away team | Competition |
| 10.03.2009 | Bavaria | 7:1 | Sporting | CL – Round of 16 |
| 25.02.2009 | Sporting | 0:5 | Bayern | CL – Round of 16 |
| 31.10.2006 | Bayern | 0:0 | Sporting | CL – Group stage |
| 18.10.2006 | Sporting | 0:1 | Bayern | CL – Group stage |
However, the games are so far in the past that no active player is still involved, so the cards will be reshuffled
Experts‘ predictions
Bayern have taken a whopping twelve points from five games, scoring 15 goals and conceding six. Lisbon have ten points from five games, with eleven goals scored and five conceded
FC Bayern is therefore more active on the offensive, while the Portuguese defence has conceded less. Both teams are in top form, but experts predict a clear win for FC Bayern Munich, with a 3-0 or 3-1 win for the Munich side being the most common prediction
This would put FC Bayern on 15 points after six games, which would make progression to the next round much more likely. Last season, Bayern had to take the detour via the extra round due to the new CL format, as a place among the top 8 teams was not possible.