UEFA Champions League - Quarter Finals Preview

The Quarter Finals roll on after a day one full of drama, and controversy. The remaining four clubs in Europe's top tournament, now take their shots at a Semi-Final's appearance.

Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are sitting in prime spots to advance to the next stage of competition, having grabbed crucial away victories during the first leg last week. The European giants can now see the finish line to the next round.

Enjoy the last leg of Champions League play, with the Semis due to start back up in a fortnight, we should savor every minute of what has been an enjoyable Quarter Finals set of events.

20410 Bayern Munich vs. 20411 Sevilla

Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

4-11-2018  -  2:45 pm ET

The Bavarian's return to Munich having escaped Spain with a slim 1-2 victory. Now in the friendly confines of Allianz Arena, the German giants feel confident they can close the deal against a Sevilla side who have already shocked one European power during their travels.

Sevilla make the trip to Germany in need of a positive result, after allowing two crucial away goals to the "FCB", the guests now find themselves in a uncomfortable position. 

This Seville side do possess a multitude of difference makers within their 25 man squad, their true qualities will be needed to once again shock the European establishment.

Vincenzo Montella is in charge of leading this historic comeback. The Italian head man was inserted midway through the campaign to get results, after Eduardo Berizzo was unceremoniously relieved of his duites.

Montella himself was sacked after a poor start with AC Milan in Italy's Serie A. The new "Los Rojiblancos" manager, now has a great opportunity to cement his name as a legend in Sevilla lore.

The Seville head man has often admired the managerial philosophies of Jose Mourinho. While often playing within a 4-2-3-1 formation of his own, he has experienced his own successes through the years.

The tactical alignment on Wednesday has to be perfect, if the Spaniards are to pull the ultimate shock in Munich.

Éver Banega is the key component to Sevilla's overall success during Wednesday's fixture, the Argentine returns to the starting eleven after missing the first leg due to suspension.

Banega offers the visitors an added dimension from his Midfield position, using his skillful dribbling techniques to create space, while placing passes on a string for his danger-men to benefit from.

The Seville play-maker also has the ability to finish the final product at an extremely high ratio, while using pin-point accuracy on Direct Free Kicks, and creative service during Set Piece situations, expect the Los Rojiblancos man to carry a heavy burden to produce magic at the Allianz Arena.

Luis Muriel is the main benefactor to all the hard work Banega puts in each shift, the Sevilla number 9 has continued to grow into his role as the lone striker in Montella's attack.

Muriel had found consistent playing time a challenge in Berizzo's 4-3-3 formation, but under the Italian he has flourished, scoring 10 Goals with relative ease, making him a true challenge for opposing defenders to handle.

Bayern must contain the Colombian from getting on the end of deadly through balls, and counter attacking scenarios, where he is most likely to place the ball in the back of the net.

The visitors are expected to field their strongest starting eleven. With only Gabriel Mercado and Sébastien Corchia true doubts to take the pitch in Germany, the White and Reds should put up a inspired effort to keep their Champions League dreams alive.

Sevilla have produced moments of genius during their European travels this season, scoring an average of 1.5 Goals per match, during their first 4 Champions League road games.

The Sevilla defense has been a true issue away from home, conceding an average of 2.3 Goals per match, during their first 4 Champions League road games.

Bayern Munich enter the match day with a determined mindset, the Bavarians understand the importance of putting the Spaniards away early, rather than allowing them to hang around and grow into the match, which Manchester United made the mistake of doing during the Round of 16.

Jupp Heynckes continues to amaze those in the footballing community. At the age of 72, the German manager continues to produce results on the highest level, wrapping up the Bundesliga over the weekend, the veteran head-man now turns his focus to capturing yet another Champions League title.

Heynckes much like Montella was brought in after the sacking of the teams original manager, Carlo Ancelotti met his fate after a  tumultuous spell with club, leading to his eventual dismissal.

The ageless wonder was once again called upon, to lead his beloved Bayern side to prominence. Preferring an attacking 4-3-3 formation, the "FCB" have been in rare form since Heynckes took over the reigns on the sidelines.

Bayerns star-man Robert Lewandowsi was given the weekend off during the Bavaria Derby, providing the Polish striker added rest ahead of this massive fixture.

Lewandowski has seperated himself in Germany as the top target man in the league, while placing his name in rare air as one of the best Goal Scorers in Europe.

The Bayern danger man is especially dangerous while at the Allianz, using his wide array of finishing skills inside and outside of the box to perfection, with 36 Goals scored in all competitions, the Bavarian striker is a must play for a Anytime Goal Scorer in this return fixture.

Bayern have seen their injuries pile up as of late. Arturo Vidal and David Alaba are the most recent to find themselves of the shelf, leaving the opportunity for others on the home sides star-studded roster to step up.

James Rodriguez is one of those lucky candidates who has benefited from the loss of others, the Colombian has been a true inspiration from is creative Midfield position.

Rodriguez has often saved his best performances for his country during International competitions, but with increased playing time with the Germans, he has seen his production continue to grow.

James has scored 6 Goals and produced 10 Assists, in just 16 Domestic league matches. Bayern will now look for those same type of results in European play.

The hosts are a powerful side, and on their own patch they take the level of play to another level, we should expect a motivated performance from the newly crowned Bundesliga Champions.

Bayern Munich have been dominant at the Allianz Arena during their time in UEFA's top tournament, scoring an average of 3.5 goals per match, during their first 4 Champions League home games.

The Bayern defense has been a impenetrable wall during this seasons European format, conceding an impressive 0.25 Goals per match, during their first 4 Champions League home games.

Prediction:

This match has all the makings of one-way traffic for the home team, as Bayern look set to control the possession battle at a staggering rate.

Bayern Munich come into this fixture on a blistering pace, scoring a minimum of 2 Goals during their last 7 Champions League games, while seeing the Total exceed 2.5 Goals over the last 13 games in UEFA competitions.

Bayern are expected to come out firing, looking to test Sevilla's shaky back-line, who have struggled to keep teams from creating and finishing shots on goal.

The Germans will be looking to put this contest away early, as I anticipate a multi-goal performance in the first half alone.

Sevilla on the other hand, must look to use Bayern's aggressive tactics against them, while creating their own chances on goal, where the home side have been vulnerable at times.

Los Rojiblancos still appear to be in a bad position against this lethal German squad, with the amount of pressure that will certainly be applied over the course of 90 minutes, the guests are certain to concede multiple goals, which will surely lead to their final demise.

Tips:

Over  1.5  +100 / 2.0 - Total 1st Half Goals

Bayern Munich  -0.75  -125 / 1.8 - 1st Half Spread

Bayern Munich  -1.75  -125 / 1.8 - Full Time Spread

Bayern Munich - Team Total Over  2.5  -130 / 1.77 - Goals

Best Of Luck To All