Bayern Munich vs Chelsea Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2025-26 UEFA Champions League | League Phase
by Alex Lawes ·
Updated
Bayern Munich are looking to re-assert themselves as a force in the UEFA Champions League, with the Bavarians now taking on Chelsea at the Allianz Arena this week.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / US – Paramount+
Bayern Munich preview: Bavarian brilliance
It has been a brilliant start to the season for Bayern Munich, with the Bavarians seeking to defend the German title and also add further trophies to the cabinet, progressing in the DFB-Pokal after winning the DFL-Supercup last month.
Vincent Kompany’s side most recently hammered newly-promoted Hamburg by five goals to nil at the Allianz Arena. They have now won five out of five across all competitions, scoring 19 goals in the process.
Chelsea preview: Maresca’s controlled Blues
Having won the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup over the summer, Chelsea have underperformed at the start of this season as a result of a very short pre-season, and there will be a few grumblings of frustration within the Blues’ fanbase.
They have started with four London derbies against Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Fulham and Brentford. They gave collected eight points from those games as a result of a 2-2 draw with Bees at the Gtech Community Stadium at the weekend.
Bayern Munich team news: Jackson situation
Having joined on loan from Chelsea on the final day of the transfer window, Nicolas Jackson is available to play against his parent club. Serge Gnabry is playing in the so-called ‘number ten’ role, whilst Jamal Musiala deals with injury.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Gnabry, Diaz; Kane
Unavailable: Ito (Injured), Davies (Injured), Musiala (Injured)
Questionable:
Chelsea team news: Palmer could return
Cole Palmer could return to the starting eleven for this one after the England international came off the bench to score against Brentford at the weekend, having been suffering from injury.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro
Unavailable: Badiashile (Injured), Lavia (Injured), Essugo (Injured), Mudryk (Disciplinary), Delap (Injured)
Questionable: Estevao (Illness)
Bayern Munich vs Chelsea prediction
Bayern Munich and Chelsea is a match up between a clash of styles. Bayern play with an energy and intensity where they try to be relentless and suffocate their opposition. Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, are a lot more deliberate and cautious in possession, seeking to control the game. Bayern have the firepower and home advantage, but they do always appear to be susceptible against a team with remote quality, and so it should be a good watch for the neutral.
Bayern Munich vs Chelsea Tip: Bayern Munich to win & both teams to score
