Viking FK v Bayern Munich: Michael Olise backed to score as champions seek response

Bayern Munich will look to recover from a disappointing Bundesliga result when they visit Viking FK in the Champions League at the Lyse Arena on Tuesday, with Michael Olise among the leading candidates to score.

Bayern are second in the league-phase table after one match, having collected three points. Viking FK are 30th without a point after losing 3-1 to VfB Stuttgart on 9 September.

The Norwegian side were comfortably beaten by Stuttgart, conceding four big chances and 11 shots from inside the penalty area. Their woodwork also came to the rescue as they avoided conceding a fourth goal.

Viking’s domestic form has been considerably stronger. They lead the Eliteserien with 53 points, with Bodø/Glimt level behind them on goal difference.

Manager Morten Jensen’s only defeat in his past 10 matches came against Stuttgart, while Viking have won seven games during that run. De Morkebla have also won their past 11 home matches, scoring at least twice in every one of them.

However, Viking have kept only three clean sheets in that sequence and have conceded 35 goals across their 17 Champions League matches in total.

Bayern will unusually arrive for a Champions League fixture without a recent Bundesliga victory after being held to a 2-2 draw by Augsburg. It was the second time in five league matches that Vincent Kompany’s side had failed to win, with defensive consistency becoming a concern.

Bayern have not kept a clean sheet in five of their eight matches in all competitions this season, while experienced players including Manuel Neuer have looked vulnerable.

The visitors began their Champions League campaign with a 5-0 victory over Bodø/Glimt and have now won nine of their past 10 matches in the league phase of the competition. They have lost just once in their past 23 away games, winning 18 of them.

Bayern have conceded in four of their five away matches this season, although they have won three of those fixtures and scored 10 goals.

Viking are expected to adopt a cautious approach, with a rigid 4-4-2 likely to feature central defenders Gianni Stensness and Henrik Sælebakke Falchener. Joe Bell should partner Kristoffer Askildsen in midfield, while Peter Christiansen and Erik Botheim are expected to lead the attack.

Jamal Musiala is sidelined with a thigh injury, opening the way for Ismael Saibari to start for Bayern. Harry Kane should lead the line, with Olise and Luis Diaz likely to operate either side of him. Joshua Kimmich’s distribution from midfield will be important, while Dayot Upamecano will hope to provide Neuer with greater protection.

Predicted Viking FK XI: Østbø; Heggheim, Stensness, Falchener, Haugen; Bjørdal, Bell, Askildsen, Tripic; Christiansen, Botheim.

Predicted Bayern Munich XI: Neuer; Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Davies; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Saibari, Diaz; Kane.

Bayern Munich remain clear favourites despite their Bundesliga inconsistency. Viking may find the net, but the visitors’ greater attacking quality is expected to decide the match.

Recommended bets: Bayern Munich to win 1-2, 1-3 or 1-4 at 3.90; Michael Olise to score and Bayern Munich to win at 2.00; Bayern Munich to score a penalty at 3.00.