Bayern Munich are targeting to earn knockout stage advantage against S.S. Lazio, in order to step closer for a possible seventh title. During the group stage, these two teams are far from perfect, but they were able to impress during the group stage. Bayern won their group stage, as they remain unbeaten in the Champions League. During their group campaign, Bayern had five wins and one draw, which gives them 16 points. On the other hand, for Lazio, they finished at the second of the group stage, having just 10 points. Unlike their opponent, Lazio suffered losses in their group campaign, losing twice, and winning four times. The meeting between these two teams is on February 15, 2024, at 4:00 AM (GMT+8).
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich have progressed from 11 of their 12 most recent last-16 ties, except for a loss to eventual champions Liverpool four years ago. After a successful run through Group A, they are now focusing on reaching the latter stages again. However, their reign in Munich has not been as smooth as expected, as Die Roten trail Bayer Leverkusen by five points in the Bundesliga. Harry Kane’s free-scoring efforts were unable to add to his goal tally at the BayArena. This caused the team failing to spark in the final third and were well beaten by ex-Bayern midfield maestro Xabi Alonso. The prospect of a trophyless season is unpalatable for Die Rekordmeister, who see silverware as a right rather than a rare privilege. Bayern Munich, currently in second place in the Bundesliga table, will need to bounce back this week.
Harry Kane has been directly involved in more Champions League strikes this season, with four goals and three assists. Die Roten have added Sacha Boey, Eric Dier, and Bryan Zaragoza to their options, but Zaragoza could be ruled out due to illness. Thomas Tuchel’s list of absentees remains lengthy.
S.S. Lazio
Lazio, the Italian champions, are back in the Champions League’s elimination phase after a challenging journey through the group stage. The Biancocelesti, who were runners-up to Napoli last term, now sit eighth in the Serie A standings. They ended a three-match winless run with a victory at Cagliari and are five points adrift of the top four. Head coach Maurizio Sarri was assured his job was not in jeopardy by club president Claudio Lotito. Lazio’s success in Group E, where they finished second to Atletico Madrid but above Feyenoord and Celtic, was a highlight. Goalkeeper Ivan Provedel’s late equaliser against Atleti secured Lazio’s third appearance in the Champions League knockout rounds. The German giants won both legs of the clubs’ last-16 contest three years ago, crushing the Biancocelesti 4-1 at Stadio Olimpico and winning 2-1 in Bavaria. Sarri’s priority is to stay in the tie after Wednesday’s opener.
Maurizio Sarri must choose between Danilo Cataldi and Matias Vecino for Lazio’s midfield, with Matteo Guendouzi and Luis Alberto remaining. Patric is struggling with a shoulder issue, while Mattia Zaccagni may return. Ciro Immobile leads an attacking triumvirate with 200th Serie A goal.
Prediction:
Bayern Munich (1.5)
Odds: -0.84
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