Bayern Munich have once again made their usual slow start to the season in the Bundesliga but really should be odds on to win in Switzerland on Tuesday and I’ll be backing them to do so at the prices on offer.
Having come so close to Champions League glory last term, Bayern were beaten 2-0 by Inter Milan in May’s final, the German side will be desperate to go one better in 2011 and they’ve certainly the talent to prevail on the biggest stage.
Bayern’s run to the showpiece owed much to the brilliance of Dutch winger Arjen Robben in the knockout stages, the former Real Madrid man grabbed vital goals in each sudden death tie, but they are far from a one-man team and Luis Van Gaal’s men are particularly effective away from home.
Stunning triumphs in Turin against Juventus (4-1) and versus Lyon (3-0) in the last four were the highlights of matches away from the Allianz Arena during the last campaign and Bayern rarely fail to find the net on their travels.
Just once in their previous 21 Champions League away matches, spanning over five years, have Bayern failed to find the net and they face a Basel team on Tuesday that is far from watertight at the back. The Swiss club have conceded nine goals in five matches on home soil so far this season and their limitations were exposed with a 2-1 loss at the hands of CFR Cluj on opening night in this competition.
Having been thumped 4-1 in front of their own fans by Super League leaders Luzern already this season, Basel coach, and former Bayern hero, Thorsten Fink knows his men have their work cut out to keep the visitors at bay, even with the aforementioned Robben on the sidelines, and this should be a decent watch.
Still with Thomas Muller, Miroslav Klose and Ivica Olic, among others, to call upon in attack, Bayern should be able to cope with the loss of their talisman and it has been hard not to be impressed with them over the past 18 months.
A 2-1 reversal to surprise Bundesliga leaders Mainz was hardly ideal preparation for Tuesday’s clash but Bayern were fearless on their travels in Europe’s premier club competition last term and started this campaign in terrific fashion with a comfortable 2-0 win over Roma.
With Basel several grades in class lower than the side from the Italian capital, I expect Bayern to maintain their 100 per cent record in Group E and I also anticipate there being goals. In fact, I’m surprised to see the overs approaching anywhere near 2.00 on Betfair and also suggest a rare foray into the market.
2pts Back Bayern Munich (vs. Basel) @ 2.14 (Betfair) 2pts Back Over 2.50 Goals @ 1.95 (Betfair)