Bayern Munich set to start Ismael Saibari in Champions League opener against Bodø/Glimt

Bayern Munich are expected to hand Ismael Saibari a starting role when they begin their UEFA Champions League campaign against Bodø/Glimt at the Allianz Arena on Thursday evening.

The opening match of the league phase will be officiated by Slovenian referee Rade Obrenovic, with Bayern entering the contest as strong favourites to claim victory in front of their home supporters.

According to German newspaper Bild, Bayern manager Vincent Kompany is expected to select a 4-2-3-1 formation for the meeting with the Norwegian side.

Manuel Neuer is projected to start in goal, with a back four of Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah and Alphonso Davies in front of him.

Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic are expected to form the central midfield partnership. The report then places Moroccan forward Ismael Saibari in the attacking midfield position ahead of them.

Michael Olise and Luis Diaz are predicted to operate from the wide areas, supporting experienced England striker Harry Kane through the middle.

The proposed line-up reflects Bayern’s intention to begin their European campaign with an attacking approach, while Bodø/Glimt will look to disrupt the German champions through the pace and pressing that have become central to their style.

Bayern will also be aiming to respond after being held to a surprising goalless draw by Schalke in their most recent German league fixture. Despite dominating that match and creating numerous chances, the Bundesliga holders were unable to find a way through.

That result has provided additional motivation for Bayern to return to winning ways against their Norwegian visitors. The home side’s status as the leading contender does not, however, remove the possibility of a difficult test, with Bodø/Glimt seeking a notable upset against one of European football’s biggest clubs.

The match will be Bayern’s first appearance in this season’s Champions League league phase, and Kompany’s selection is expected to place particular responsibility on Saibari in the area behind Kane. Kimmich and Pavlovic will provide the midfield base, while Olise and Diaz are set to supply the attacking width.

At the back, Neuer’s experience will be supported by Laimer, Upamecano, Tah and Davies as Bayern attempt to control the game from the opening stages.

Bodø/Glimt’s challenge will be to withstand Bayern’s possession and attacking pressure while making use of their own speed and intensity. Bayern, meanwhile, will hope their dominance produces a more decisive result than it did against Schalke.

The fixture takes place at the Allianz Arena on Thursday, with Bayern seeking both a winning European start and a swift return to form after their latest domestic setback.