After earning second place last season, many expected Bayern Munich to storm through the group stage this year at the UCL. But it has not turned out that way.
After a close 2-1 win over Valencia at home, they dropped a 3-1 result to underdog BATE Borisov who is now in first place in the group and up against Valencia. The loss was especially surprising considering Bayern's current domination of the Bundesliga where they have won all 8 of their matches and have a huge 5 point lead on second place Frankfurt. More importantly they have a +24 Goal Differential and are looking for their goal scoring prowess to finally translate over to the UCL. Mario Mandzukic has seven goals, but Thomas Muller has 6 goals and 5 assists thus far this season. Franck Ribery has been tremendous with 4 assists and 2 goals and is in top form. That goes without mentioning the incredible depth this team has from Toni Kroos and Luis Gustavo Dias among others. They are a time bomb waiting to explode.
And it could happen against Lille who has been the worst team in the group with 2 losses. They lost 3-1 to BATE Borisov and then lose 2-0 to Valencia. The French side has been mediocre in the French Ligue with only 2 wins in nine matches and 5 draws. They currently sit in 11th place and are eight points behind first place PSG. Most telling is that they have scored just 11 goals in the nine matches but have also allowed 11 in that same span. No goal scoring will not help this squad in the UCL match against a tough team like Bayern. Fortunately for them they play at home, but that was of no help against BATE Borisov. More is expected from them and with a loss, they could start saying goodbye to UCL dreams.
Prediction: Bayern wins easily 3-0.
Schedule: 2:45 p.m. EDT