Preview: Bayern begin title defence against Russian Champions
The Bayern side led by the legendary Jupp Heynckes won a historical treble last season which they rounded off with a victory over rivals Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley.
Whereas incoming Pep Guardiola will find it difficult to repeat the feat, he will be hoping to make Bayern the only German side to retain the Champions League crown.
The German giants have been one of the most threatening sides in Europe in recent years having made three Champions League final appearances in the last four years. Their new manager and former Barcelona coach is no stranger to European success having won two Champions League titles with the Catalans in 2009 and 2011.
In a Bayern side which already had a plethora of attacking talent after an incredible treble last season, Pep added to their ranks two of the most brightest prospects in world football in the shape of Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara.
However unfortunately for Bayern, the prolific duo will miss out on Tuesday’s clash as they nurse ankle injuries. Also out of the tie is Spanish midfielder Javi Martinez who is suffering from a groin injury.
The Bavarians have begun this season’s Bundesliga strongly having managed four victories in the five matches played so far, but play second fiddle to rivals Borussia Dortmund who have managed a perfect win rate so far having won all of their five matches.
Recently crowned UEFA Best Player in Europe Franck Ribéry will be Bayern’s player to watch out for. The Frenchman has managed two goals and an assist in the German league so far and has been one of Bayern’s most influential players so far this season.
His goal against Chelsea in the European Super Cup match was integral in guiding the Bavarians to the Super Cup crown earlier in the season.
Whereas Bayern are definitely the stronger side on paper, CSKA will prove to be competitive opponents. Leonid Slutsky's who won the Russian Premier League last season are currently top of the table in this year’s Russian League having managed six victories and two draws in the eight matches they have played so far.
The Russian outfit has tasted European success only once, having won the UEFA Cup back in 2005. However they have gone only as far as the Quarter Finals as far as Champions League is concerned, which was back in 2010 when they defeated Sevilla 3-2 on aggregate.
Nigerian international Ahmed Musa is the team’s top scorer having scored five goals so far in the Russian League, Seydou Doumbia is just one goal behind having scored four times for his side.
CSKA Moscow have a talented midfield with Keisuke Honda, Alan Dzagoev and Zoran Tosic in the side. However they will certainly find it difficult to contain a Bayern midfield which is composed of the finest players currently in the world of football.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV, Live scores
Watch Bayern Munich vs CSKA Moscow live on Tuesday, September 17, 2013:
In USA at 14:45 ET on FOX Soccer Plus (delay, at midnight) Fox Sports Ohio, Fox Sports Florida, Fox Soccer 2Go, Fox Sports Net, MSG Plus
In UK at 19:45 BST on Sky Sports Red Button
Fans in other parts of the world can watch the match live on their local channels. Those in Germany can watch the match live on Sky Go whereas fans in Canada can watch the match live on Sportsnet World.
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Bayern vs CSKA Moscow match page.
