Bayern Munich vs. Manchester United – News and Probable Lineups

The Manchester United Women will travel to the Allianz Arena for the second leg of the Women’s Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich Women on Wednesday.

The home side has a narrow advantage following their 3-2 win in the first leg at Old Trafford last week.

Match overview

Bayern Munich has reached the quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League after finishing in the top four during the initial phase of the league.

The German team has faced difficulties in their recent quarter-final appearances, having not advanced past the last eight in their last four UWCL campaigns.

Nevertheless, they find themselves in a promising situation to make it to the semi-finals for the first time since the 2020-21 season after securing a hard-fought 3-2 win in the first leg at Old Trafford.

Pernille Harder had two goals offset by efforts from Maya Le Tissier and Hanna Lundkvist, before substitute Momoko Tanikawa clinched the win with a late goal in the 84th minute.

Jose Barcala’s team will approach the second leg with confidence, coming off a 2-0 win against Bavarian rivals Nurnberg, which equaled the club record for 18 consecutive home victories in the Frauen-Bundesliga.

Bayern will be optimistic about continuing their winning streak in Thursday’s match, having previously won all five of their home fixtures in the UWCL against English teams, including a 3-2 victory over Arsenal during the league stage.

Conversely, Manchester United had to navigate through a knockout playoff to reach the quarter-finals after finishing sixth in the league.

The Red Devils dominated their playoff against Atletico Madrid, following up a 3-0 win in Spain with a 2-0 victory at home.

However, they have struggled recently, winning only one of their last six competitive matches (D1, L4).

The four losses during this stretch include consecutive defeats against Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round and the League Cup final, along with a disappointing result in Saturday’s derby against Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City.

Man United conceded three goals within 50 minutes, resulting in a heavy 3-0 loss at Old Trafford, which dropped them from second to fourth in the standings, jeopardizing their chances of qualifying for next season’s UWCL.

Marc Skinner’s squad has had a mixed experience on European soil this season, achieving three wins and two losses in their five UWCL away encounters, including a 5-2 defeat against Wolfsburg during their last trip to Germany in November.

Team News

Bayern will be without Klara Buhl, Jovana Damnjanovic, Alara Sehitler, Katharina Naschenweng, and Anna Klink.

Long-term absentees Lena Oberdorf and Sarah Zadrazil are still working on their recovery from anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Momoko Tanikawa could be in line for a start in the second leg after coming off the bench to contribute a goal and an assist at Old Trafford.

On the other hand, Manchester United’s list of absentees includes Ellen Wangerheim, Ella Toone, Celin Bizet, Leah Galton, Dominique Janssen, and Anna Sandberg.

Forward Elisabeth Terland has not participated in the last two matches, making her availability uncertain for the trip to Munich on Wednesday.

Midfielder Julia Zigiotti Olme is expected to return to the midfield after serving a one-match suspension due to accumulated yellow cards.

Bayern Munich Women probable starting XI:

Mahmutovic; Gwinn, Viggosdottir, Gilles, Simon; Tanikawa, Stanway; Dallmann, Caruso, Kett; Harder

Manchester United Women probable starting XI:

Tullis-Joyce; Lundkvist, Le Tissier, Turner, Rolfo; Zigiotti Olme, Miyazawa, Naalsund; Park, Mallard, Schuller

As Manchester United heads to Germany amid a challenging spell, it seems likely they may face another difficult outing in Wednesday’s second leg.

This assessment is based on Bayern being a formidable presence at home, and it is anticipated that they will utilize their home advantage to secure a favorable win.