Bayern Munich may have won the last six Bundesliga titles, but their squad has been all but dominant in the first 6 months of the 2018/19 season. Currently sitting in second place behind their bitter rivals Borrusia Dortmund, the Munich based side are only five points ahead of the chasing pack. For the first time in a number of years the German top division is not a two or even three hourse race, as Borrusia's second club Moenchengladbach have joined the fight for the title. Followed by a Red Bull Leipzig side notorious for their immense financial who sit two points further a drift in fourth place. Perhaps the more competitive nature of the German top flight has effected Bayern's ability to perform on the European stage.
With an average age of 27.7 Bayern Munich's squad may have too much experience, if thats possible. The ageing squad has been put into question, with fans speculating about the ability of Bayern's chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, questioning why he and other board members have allowed the squad to age to such a degree without younger replacements.
Tonight the 2011 Champions League Winners take on joint Premier League leaders Liverpool. With an average age of 25, including Premier League veteran James Milner at 33, it is clear which team has youth on their side going into tonights first leg knockout fixture. Of course being the younger side is not the only key to progressing through to the next round of Europe's most prestigious competition. Can Liverpool take advantage of having the more youthful side on this occasion?
Bayern's quality is not in question, that being said, with a number of Bayern Munich's 24 man squad being past their prime and now in their 'twilight years'. How will the German's top team compete with the pace and direct approach that Liverpool lit up last years competition.
Of course even in the later stages of their careers, on their day each member of the Bayer side are able to compete with any club still in the competition, with a number of Germany's world cup winning team in the squad. Especially when looking at Bayern's attacking style it is impossible to look past prolific goal scorer Robert Lewandowski. Niko Kovac's side play the majority of their football through their Polish number nine. As a traditional striker, in terms of his ability to hold up the ball and ariel ability, the leading Polish goal scorer is a threat to anyone of Europe's finest defence's even at 30 years of age. Looking to be the supply line for the three time Bundesliga player of the year is the hungry French international Kingsley Coman and ex-Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry, Liverpool's depleted makeshift defence could be in for a long European night at Anfield.
How does that compare with Liverpool's attacking trio? After just missing out in last years final to serial winners Real Madrid, Liverpool's attacking threat of Salah, Mane and Firmino became some of the most sort after attackers in the footballing world, with interest coming from the likes of PSG and Barcelona. Although they haven't hit the heights of last year thus far, the raw pace and flowing football will no doubt be a problem for the veteran defenders in Jerome Boateng and Matts Hummels who in recent years have struggled on the turn when the ball is played in behind, a style of play that has become paramount since Klopp's reign.
Liverpool fan Ellis Ranger believes his side have what it takes to beat the Bavarian's. 'I think if Salah, Mane and Firmino are on song they wont be able to cope with us on the turn. The likes of Sule, and Hummels are good when they play is in front of them because they're strong central defenders that can read the game well, but with the likes of Wijnaldum playing intricate balls in behind I think we will have the upper hand tonight at Anfield.' He says showing the level of confidence he has in the depleted Liverpool side. 'Of course we are lacking a few of our star players, especially in defence with Gomez still out and Virgil being banned but I think Fabinho has enough European experience and quality to pull through what is a young defence.' Clearly Ellis sees Liverpool going into the second leg with the an advantage over the Germans. 'Not forgetting the atmosphere at Anfield, theres no where like it in the country.'
After last years near miss, Liverpool are 10/1 and the 4th favourites to go all the way, will the addition of the ball playing keeper Alison Becker prove worth his £67 million price tag.
While last years Bundesliga champions are sixth favourites to take home the trophy at 12/1 according to the bookies. Will the experienced German side be able to turn back the clock to beat Liverpool and progress into the Quarter finals of Europe's top competition? Tune into BT one from 7pm tonight to find out.
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