Allianz Arena will host a thrilling Champions League encounter on Tuesday night as Bayern Munich face Paris Saint-Germain, with both teams desperate for a crucial result.

Bayern currently sit 17th in the Champions League standings, having earned six points from four matches this season. Meanwhile, PSG find themselves in 25th place, with Luis Enrique’s side collecting just four points from their opening four games.

Bayern enter this clash in excellent domestic form, boasting a six-game winning streak. Vincent Kompany’s side rebounded strongly from a 4-1 defeat to Barcelona in October, including a 3-0 Bundesliga victory over Augsburg on Friday. The Munich giants lead the league by six points as they aim to reclaim the title from Bayer Leverkusen, having won nine and drawn two of their 11 Bundesliga matches this season. However, their Champions League campaign has been less impressive, with losses to Aston Villa and Barcelona leaving them with six points in four games. Despite these setbacks, a narrow 1-0 win over Benfica in their last European outing has kept their knockout hopes alive. Bayern will now aim to maintain their formidable home record against Ligue 1 sides, having won 12 of their last 18 European matches against French visitors.

Bayern’s dominance over French teams is further reflected in their recent record, winning 12 of their last 14 clashes against Ligue 1 opposition. They have also triumphed in 22 of their last 27 home Champions League matches, with their last European defeat in Munich coming against PSG during the 2020-21 quarter-finals. PSG have struggled against Bayern in recent years. The French side were eliminated by the German club in the round of 16 last season and suffered a 1-0 defeat in the 2020 Champions League final. Domestically, PSG are thriving, with a 3-0 win over Toulouse on Friday moving them to 32 points from 12 Ligue 1 matches. They lead the French league by six points but have faced significant challenges in Europe. Their 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid earlier this month added to a frustrating campaign that also includes a defeat to Arsenal and a home draw with PSV Eindhoven. PSG have scored just three goals in four Champions League matches, leaving them with only one win from their last seven away games against Bundesliga teams.The French side’s record in Europe is inconsistent, with 15 wins and 14 losses in their last 37 matches. Overcoming Bayern at Allianz Arena on Tuesday will require a monumental effort.

Bayern’s squad will be without Joao Palhinha due to an adductor injury, while Mathys Tel faces a fitness test after missing the Augsburg clash. Aleksandar Pavlovic and Josip Stanisic have returned to training, but Hiroki Ito remains sidelined. Leon Goretzka may start in midfield alongside Serge Gnabry and Konrad Laimer, both of whom are expected to return to the XI. Harry Kane, fresh off a hat trick against Augsburg, is in scintillating form, with 20 goals in 17 appearances this season, including five in four Champions League games. For PSG, Senny Mayulu, Lucas Hernandez, Gonçalo Ramos, and Presnel Kimpembe are unavailable due to injuries, while Nuno Mendes is a doubt with an ankle issue. Marquinhos returns from suspension and is likely to start, alongside Vitinha, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Willian Pacho. Bradley Barcola, with 10 goals in 16 appearances this season, will feature prominently, supported by Marco Asensio and Ousmane Dembélé in the attack.

While both teams have underwhelmed in the Champions League, Bayern’s home dominance makes them strong favorites. PSG’s attacking quality should ensure they find the net, but Kompany’s Bayern are expected to secure a narrow victory at Allianz Arena.

Best Tip: Over 1.5

Correct Score: 3-1