Bayern München vs Manchester City, International Champions Cup Matchday 3: Team News, Preview and Prediction

Competition/Round: 2018 International Champions Cup – Matchday 3

Date/Time: Bayern München vs Manchester City – Saturday, 28 July 2018, 00:00 BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 19:00 EST, 16:00 PST (USA); 04:00 IST (India)

Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida, USA

TV Info: SKY (UK); ESPN Deportes, ESPN (USA)

Live Stream: Premier Sports (UK); WatchESPN (USA)

Preview:

After a series of disappointing results, Manchester City will face Bayern München in their final match of the International Champions Cup. The Blues have only scored one goal in two matches whilst conceding three, and City manager Pep Guardiola will surely seek solutions to this issue. Unfortunately for the Catalonian, his side will be put to the test as they face FC Bayern München.

Bayern have had a mixed campaign in the United States. Following an impressive victory against Paris Saint-Germain last week, the Germans lost to Juventus in what was a rather disappointing match. Now, as they assemble for their final preseason match in the United States, Bayern manager Niko Kovač will be sure to tinker with his squad in preparation of the upcoming 2018/19 German Bundesliga season.

Guardiola will also need to adjust his City squad for this match. In a race against time, as many of City’s key players are still away on holiday, Guardiola will need to discover a way to improve their efficiency in front of goal, as the start of the 2018/19 English Premier League is only two weeks away.

Team News:

Whilst an unimpressive preseason campaign thus far, it is important to note both sides are missing several of their star players who were away on international duty at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Yet, with the absence of these players, others have grown. For example, Renato Sanches had a rather poor season on loan to Swansea, yet the Portuguese has impressed during the preseason. Moreover, Kovač stated he has plans for the young footballer.

Meanwhile, in the City camp, Oleksandr Zinchenko has been rumoured to depart for Wolverhampton Wanderers or Fulham. After speaking with Guardiola, however, it seems the Ukrainian will opt to remain at City and fight for his place in the senior team.

Possible Lineups:

Bayern München

Formation: 4-5-1

Ulreich; Rafinha, Stanišić, Martinez, Alaba; Robben, Meier, Paul Will, Sanches, Ribéry; Wagner

Manager: Niko Kovač

Manchester City

Formation: 4-3-3

Bravo; García, Denayer, Laporte, Zinchenko; Diaz, Douglas Luiz, Foden; B. Silva, Nmecha, Sané

Manager: Pep Guardiola

Prediction:

Both managers will see this as a final opportunity to prepare for their domestic campaigns. Yet, with the absence of their main starters, and a plethora of youth, nothing should be taken at face value. A few young stars have emerged for both sides during this preseason, and they may stake a claim to play for their senior squads in the upcoming season.

After the previous two matches, Bayern seem to have established a better team chemistry. City, albeit a few unlucky decisions, have not been able to click as a unit and it is unlikely this will change in the upcoming friendly. Therefore, it is expected a more experienced German side will overcome Guardiola’s men on the final matchday of the International Champions Cup.

Bayern München 1-0 Manchester City