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Bayern Munich vs Juventus : Five Things to Watch For

By Vijay Vemu

MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 12: Players of Muenchen celebrate the 5th team goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and SV Werder Bremen at Allianz Arena on March 12, 2016 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by A. Hassenstein/Getty Images for FC Bayern)
MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 12: Players of Muenchen celebrate the 5th team goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and SV Werder Bremen at Allianz Arena on March 12, 2016 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by A. Hassenstein/Getty Images for FC Bayern) /
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DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 05: Josep Guardiola (R) manager of Bayern Munich talks to David Alaba (C) and Mehdi Benatia (L) during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Muenchen at Signal Iduna Park on March 5, 2016 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 05: Josep Guardiola (R) manager of Bayern Munich talks to David Alaba (C) and Mehdi Benatia (L) during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Muenchen at Signal Iduna Park on March 5, 2016 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

5. Bayern Munich’s makeshift backline

Bayern Munich’s defense has been through a lot this year. Injuries have decimated what was once a dominant backline. Although Bayern have only allowed 13 goals in the Bundesliga this year, their lack of depth at the centreback position has hurt them. It hurt them against Juventus as they have up two goals in the middle of the park.

Because of the injuries, Pep Guardiola was forced to start Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba at CB for the Bavarians. Although both are quality defenders, centerback is a different task for them. They played well in the first half but were split open by Paulo Dybala for Juventus’s first goal and then were beaten by Stefano Sturaro for the equalizer. It was a rough game for the duo but there is hope for Bayern Munich’s back line.

Javi Martinez could play in the second leg as he returned to training for Bayern last week. Coming off of knee surgery, rushing back Martinez would not be a wise thing to do but Bayern are desperate for starting defenders at the moment. Mehdi Benatia could be in line for starting at the centerback position as he looks to make his return back to first team football.

But Bayern will not be at full strength at the back in this game and they certainly have to be careful of Juventus’s attack. The Italians showed last week that they can find offense in a hurry, especially on the counterattack.

Next: 4. Juventus on the counter

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