Bayern Munich begin Champions League campaign against ambitious Bodø/Glimt

Bayern Munich will start their European campaign at home against Bodø/Glimt, with the Bundesliga side expected to take control of the opening Champions League league-phase match. The Norwegian club earned attention after producing a surprise result last season, but Bayern’s experience in major European fixtures makes them clear favourites before kick-off.

Bayern are preparing for the meeting without Serge Gnabry, who remains unavailable. Lennard Karl has returned to the squad, while Jamal Musiala is still a doubt but could be fit to play.

Harry Kane is expected to lead the Bayern attack and will be the main threat for the hosts. He is likely to be supported by Luis Diaz and Michael Olise, who both enjoyed highly impressive campaigns last season. The predicted line-up also includes several of Bayern’s most experienced players, with Manuel Neuer set to start in goal and Joshua Kimmich expected to feature in midfield.

Bayern Munich’s predicted line-up

Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer

Defenders: Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, Alphonso Davies

Midfielders: Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, Luis Diaz

Forward: Harry Kane

Bayern’s selection reflects a balance between established defensive options and an attack built around Kane’s presence in the final third. Olise, Musiala and Diaz are expected to provide the creativity and movement around the England captain, although Musiala’s availability remains one of the key questions before the match.

Bodø/Glimt will also be without a number of players. Aleesami, Gundersen and Evjen are among those unavailable, although most of the squad is otherwise considered ready to play.

The Norwegian side are expected to rely on Helmersen as a focal point in attack. Blomberg, Fet and Patrick Berg are likely to have important roles in midfield as Bodø/Glimt attempt to compete with Bayern away from home.

Bodø/Glimt’s predicted line-up

Goalkeeper: Haikin

Defenders: Sjøvold, Nielsen, Bjørtuft, Bjørkan

Midfielders: Auklend, Patrick Berg, Fet

Forwards: Blomberg, Helmersen, Hauge

The match will be Bodø/Glimt’s first fixture of the league phase against one of European football’s most established clubs. Bayern, meanwhile, will begin their campaign with strong expectations and home advantage, having regularly featured in high-profile Champions League matches.

The teams are due to meet shortly in the opening round of the competition. The betting company 1xBet lists Bayern Munich as heavy favourites, pricing a home win at 1.11. A draw is listed at 14.00, while Bodø/Glimt are priced at 19.50 to win.

Those odds underline the difference in expectation between the two teams, although Bodø/Glimt’s surprise success last season means Bayern cannot afford to underestimate their visitors. The Norwegian club will hope its organised midfield and attacking options can cause problems, while Bayern will look to Kane, Diaz and Olise to make the difference.