Former champions Liverpool and Bayern Munich will face off in a mouth-watering 2018-19 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash.
In all, there are three head-to-head fixtures between English and German clubs at this stage this term.
On Thursday, Tottenham Hotspurs thrashed Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund 3-0 at Wembley Stadium as the third-placed Premier League outift put themselves in a prime spot to qualify for the next stage.
Then there is Schalke-Manchester City match-up too.
But the most fascinating of these clashes is the one involving the two five-times champions.
All You Need To Know About The Match:
Match: Liverpool Vs Bayern Munich, Round of 16 first leg, UEFA Champions League
Date: February 20 (Wednesday)
Time: 1:30 AM IST; 20:00 GMT (Tuesday)
Place: Anfield, Liverpool
TV Guide: Sony Pictures Networks India
Live Streaming: SonyLiv
Team news and form
The absence of mercurial Virgil van Dijk will be big blow to Liverpool. But Jurgen Klopp believes that his bench strength is good enough to mitigate such absence.
Similarly, the Germans also will miss their seasoned poacher Thomas Muller, who has been suspended. Another player who is going to be missed is Arjen Robben.
Considering Liverpool have over a week to prepare for the crunch match, they will have added advantage in fresh bodies, which suit Klopp's fast game. In contrast, Bayern were made to struggle against Augsburg on Friday.
But, if Klopp's record against Bayern comes to play, then it's advantage Niko Kovac. The former Dortmund manager has lost as many as 16 matches against Bayern, which is his worst record against a club.
Then again, Liverpool's record against German clubs is brilliant. They have won 14 of 16 two-legged ties.
Players to watch out for
Sadio Mane: The Senegalese is catching up with Mo Salah in terms of scoring, but in the recent outings, he has already outperformed the Egyptian with some inspiring performances. He has scored in the last four matches.
Robert Lewandowski: The Polish striker is never out of touch and is the top scorer in Champions League with eight goals.
Likely XIs
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold/Milner, Matip/Lovren, Fabinho, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Henderson, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Manager - Jurgen Klopp
Bayern (4-3-3): Neuer; Rafinha, Sule, Hummels, Alaba; Kimmich/Kovac, Alcantra, Goretzka; Gnarby, Lewandowski, Coman/Ribery
Manager - Niko Kovac
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi (Italy)
Head-to-head
Unlike other big clubs, Liverpool and Bayern have met sparsely. In the last two meetings, Liverpool have won both the matches – 3-2 in 2001 in the continental Super Cup and a 3-0 in 2017 in the Audi Cup, which had a friendly flavour.
Prediction
This is going to be one open game with both the sides going for speed. But Liverpool are likely to come out victorious, by at least a couple of goals, thanks to their fearless approach and overall balance of the team. It will be 3-1.
