Champions League preview between Barcelona and Bayern Munich: storylines, odds, prediction for when the big clubs will meet

This clash between two European heavyweights with a rich and storied history has the potential to be an absolute classic. The clubs have won the tournament a total of eleven times. However, both Barcelona and Bayern Munich have achieved one win and one loss in the Champions League so far this season. However, in the league, Barcelona are at the top after ten games, although they have to play their games away at Camp Nou.

Bayern Munich are also top of their domestic league, although they suffered a shock defeat to Aston Villa in the competition after beating Dinamo Zagreb 9-2 in their Champions League opener. In their own opening game of the tournament, Barcelona lost in Monaco after Eric Garcia received an early red card, then bounced back with a 5-0 win over Young Boys that, fittingly, looked like men against boys.

Not only are Barcelona playing away at home, but they are also without a number of key players. Players out include Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal and Ferran Torres, while Dani Olmo may still not be fit enough to start. The visitors will be without Aleksandar Pavlovic due to a broken collarbone, although Jamal Musiala may be fit enough to return to the team. However, Sacha Boey, Josip Stanisic and Hiroki Ito are not yet fit enough to take part.

This promises to be an exciting game as both teams absolutely need to win. Many observers have found it hard to get excited about the new look of the Champions League, but at least it has already brought two of Europe's big clubs together in October, and a win for either would be an important statement beyond simply promoting the possibility beyond further progress. Not to mention that Hansi Flick led Bayern to the treble just a few years ago and is now in charge of Barcelona.

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Odds Barcelona vs Bayern Munich

BetFair odds were updated at 8pm BST on Tuesday.

• Barcelona win: 11/8
• Pull: 29/10
• Bayern Munich win: 17/10

Venue: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys – Barcelona
Time: 8:00 p.m. BST (3:00 p.m. ET), Wednesday
Streaming: Fubo (US only, try for free)

Form Guide (all competitions)

Barcelona: WWWLW
Bayern Munich: WDLDW

Match prediction

Barcelona – Bayern Munich 2:2

There is little separating the sides. Both have been phenomenally successful in the modern era and are at the top of their respective domestic leagues. Both have three points after two Champions League games and will be desperate to win this game for reasons beyond just points. The art of a good compromise is that it doesn't make anyone completely happy, so let's end up with a 2-2 draw.

(Photo by Robert Lewandowski: David Ramos / Getty Images)