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Join on Telegram Chelsea face a tough first test in the 2025–26 Champions League as they travel to the Allianz Arena to take on German champions Bayern Munich. The fixture recalls the dramatic 2012 final when the Blues stunned Bayern on penalty shootouts to win their first Champions League crown, though the Germans have dominated the head-to-head since.
Match details
- When is it: Wednesday, September 17 – 20:00 GMT+1
- Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich
- How to Watch: BeIN Sports 4 MENA, Canal+ Sport France, M+ Liga de Campeones
Bayern team news
- Bayern are averaging nearly four goals per game across all competitions this season.
- Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala are still out but expected back later in the year.
- Raphaël Guerreiro (abdominal) and Hiroki Ito are sidelined.
- Serge Gnabry is thriving in a central role after Musiala’s injury.
- Harry Kane starts up front; Nicolas Jackson is eligible to play after his loan from Chelsea.
Predicted Bayern line-up (4-2-3-1): Neuer — Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanišić — Kimmich, Pavlović — Olise, Gnabry, Díaz — Kane.
Chelsea team news
- Cole Palmer returns to start as Chelsea’s No. 10 after scoring off the bench at the weekend.
- João Pedro missed the Burnley game but could be involved.
- Estêvão is back in training after missing the last match through illness.
- Dário Essugo and Liam Delap are long-term absentees; Roméo Lavia and Benoît Badiashile remain doubtful.
Predicted Chelsea line-up (4-2-3-1): Sánchez — James, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella — Caicedo, Fernández — Estêvão, Palmer, Neto — Pedro
Safe Calls
- Harry Kane to score anytime: Bayern’s striker is in top form and a constant threat in the Allianz Arena.
- Over 2.5 goals: Both teams like to attack, and Chelsea will likely find gaps at the back.
- Both teams to score: Chelsea’s pace and Bayern’s firepower suggest goals at both ends.
- Bayern win: Home advantage and form make them favourites, with a 3–1 scoreline a reasonable prediction.
