Chelsea

Chelsea vs Bayern Munich Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups & Predicted Score

Chelsea and Bayern Munich face-off in the Super Cup final in Prague on Friday night. Here is a preview with team news, likely line-ups and predicted score.

by
Football Talk
August 30, 2013

Old foes Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola will face-off against each other once again as Chelsea and Bayern Munich clash in the Super Cup final in Prague on Friday night.

Mourinho and Guardiola have locked horns on more than one occasion during their time in Spain when they managed Real Madrid and Barcelona, and they will renew their rivalry tonight for their respective new clubs.

Mourinho returned to Chelsea this summer to take over from Rafa Benitez after the Spaniard had led the club to the Europa League title last season.

Guardiola on the other hand has the unenviable task of trying to replace Jupp Heynckes who won the treble, including the Champions League, with Bayern last term.

The last time these two sides met was the 2012 Champions League final where Chelsea came from behind to beat the German giants on penalties in their own backyard, so no doubt Munich will be out for revenge tonight.

Team News

Chelsea have taken a 26-man squad for the game that includes the likes of Victor Moses, Demba Ba and Fernando Torres despite the trio being linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes on Monday.

Torres could be recalled to the starting eleven after Mourinho elected to play without a recognised striker for last Monday’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United.

Juan Mata could also be in line for a recall after being an unused substitute at Old Trafford, but new signings Willian and Samuel Eto’o will not be involved. Defender David Luiz is still lacking match fitness so is unlikely to start but may get on in the second half.

Bayern are sweating on the fitness of key midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger after he picked up an knock at the weekend. The injury is not thought to be too serious though and he should be fit to start tonight.

Javi Martinez is also back in contention having not featured yet this season due to injury. Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Mario Mandzukic are all expected to be recalled after being rested at the weekend.