Bayern Munich vs Chelsea – Combined XI | OneFootball

Bayern Munich meet Chelsea in the Champions League this evening in a glamour contest to kick-start each side’s campaign.

Both sides will be aiming to go deep into the tournament this season, after memorable trophy successes in the previous campaign.

Ahead of the clash, we’ve selected our Bayern Munich and Chelsea Combined XI.

Bayern Munich vs Chelsea – Combined XI

Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer – Bayern Munich

The German great might be creeping towards his 40th birthday, but Neuer remains a colossal presence for the Bundesliga champions. Unquestionably one of football’s finest goalkeepers, ex-Bayern defender Eric Dier believes English fans still don’t appreciate how good the shot-stopper is.

“I think people, especially in England, don’t fully understand just how good he really is,” Dier told The Fozcast.

“If you watched him week in, week out, even just for a season, you’d get it. I’ve not seen anything like it. And the funny thing is, everyone would always say to me: ‘Yeah, but he’s not the same as he used to be.’ But trust me, even then, he was on another level.”

Right-back: Reece James – Chelsea

After an injury-hit period, Reece James is beginning to find his rhythm again. James was excellent for England across the international break, perhaps cementing the right-back role for the Three Lions. When fit, he’s one of the most complete full-backs in the game.

Centre-back: Dayot Upamecano – Bayern Munich

An undisputed starter for a France side that boasts brilliant centre-back options. France have not conceded a goal in the last 500 minutes with Upamecano on the pitch. At Bayern, he remains a crucial figure, and extending a deal that expires in 2026 should be a priority.

Centre-back: Jonathan Tah – Bayern Munich

Signed in the summer on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern simultaneously strengthened while weakening a direct rival. Tah led all Bundesliga players for the percentage of aerial duels won (77%) last season.

Left-back: Marc Cucurella – Chelsea

With Alphonso Davies still on the road to recovery from an ACL injury, Marc Cucurella claims the left-back spot. The Spaniard has overcome a shaky start at Chelsea to become a key figure, impressing not only for the club but also for the national team. Tenacious and adaptable in equal measure.

Midfield: Moises Caicedo – Chelsea

A tour de force for Chelsea in the centre of the pitch. Caicedo is a ball-winning machine and showcased another side of his game with a brilliant goal against Brentford at the weekend. Fast evolving into a complete holding midfielder.

Midfield: Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich

Joshua Kimmich remains the general of the German champions, with much of Bayern’s best work running through the midfielder. No player across Europe’s top five leagues had more touches or made more progressive passes than the Munich metronome last season.

Midfield: Cole Palmer – Chelsea

The jewel in the Chelsea crown, Cole Palmer’s performance in the FIFA Club World Cup final was the latest statement showing from the midfielder.

Palmer appears pressure-free when on the big stage and has the match-winning ability to decide games. He’ll be keen to make an impact in his first Champions League campaign as a regular.

Right-wing: Michael Olise – Bayern Munich

Another who got away from Chelsea. Michael Olise spent seven years in the Blues’ academy before making his name away from West London. After a storied rise from Reading to Bayern Munich, he’s established as one of European football’s best wide players.

Left-wing: Luis Diaz – Bayern Munich

Bayern brought in Luis Diaz from Liverpool in the summer, and the winger has made an immediate impact. Diaz has three goals and two assists already in the Bundesliga, averaging a goal involvement every 51.2 minutes.

A side famed for their wide players, Diaz will hope to write his own chapter in Bayern history this season.

Forward: Harry Kane – Bayern Munich

Harry Kane has hit consecutive 40+ goal seasons as a Bayern Munich player, and won a league title and European Golden Shoe for the first time in Germany.

Some questioned his decision to move to Munich, but the transfer gives the England captain a real chance at winning this competition. Eight goals in five games this season suggest he’ll be tough to stop.

Read – Iconic Performances: Petr Cech’s heroic showing in the 2012 Champions League final

See more – Bayern Munich vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news

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