Chelsea expert taps Bayern Munich to win, but expects attacking football from Lampard’s men

This evening, Bayern Munich will face Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie. After last season’s premature exit from the competition, Bayern’s hopes are high, especially after the team’s positive reaction to coaching change.

Ahead of tonight’s game, Andy Dillon, a long-time reporter covering the Blues for the British newspaper The Sun, had gave interview to Bild in which he discussed Chelsea’s tactics and which Bayern players are they most afraid of. On question who Chelsea is afraid the most, he said this:

Serge Gnabry is the one Chelsea is afraid of most. He has experience in the Premier League and scored four goals on his last visit to London! At 24, he still has his best years ahead of him.

Andy stated that Chelsea has enormous respect for the Bavarians; he thinks that Chelsea stands little chance of going through to the next round. He said,

The people in London have enormous respect for FC Bayern. And since they are German, there is no question as to whether they can handle the physicality of their English opponents. That means that one of Chelsea’s greatest weapons may not be so useful. The Bavarians are the clear favorites to advance to the quarter-finals.

The English reporter added that Chelsea coach Frank Lampard will probably play aggressively, relying on Willian and Abraham as the driving force. Dillon said,

Chelsea will try to gain an advantage in the first leg. So it’s likely that coach Frank Lampard will go for the attack. I think Willian’s experience will be the most important. And I expect him to start with Tammy Abraham as the main striker. Kovacic will also be very important in midfield; he’s in very good form. The Bavarians can expect a lot of pressure. Lampard has been brave this season with his teams and his tactics.

A very interesting game awaits us tonight, as both teams are very offensive and like to score as many goals it’s possible. Bayern still hasn’t forgotten the “Finale dahoam” of 2012 and will try to use every chance to take a little revenge on the English club.

Join us tonight in our gamethread and live blog!