Indeed!

They're quite good. I do think their absences will be helpful. Will be a fun one.

5. Passing lanes: Instead of over-engaging the ball-carrier, track runners and jump attempted line-breakers. They don't really lose it on miscontrols. I noticed they’re only 54.5% completion on line-breakers in the Champions League.

4. Weak-side overcompensation: Their full-backs can sometimes over-help and over-squeeze when the ball is on the other side. This is good for late arrivers at the back post.

3. In general, test recovery pace (and agility) in wide areas. This will compound over the game: because of their injuries/suspensions, our late legs are better than theirs’ (Martinelli, Madueke, etc).

2. Keep CBs second-guessing: Because of their M2M, you can a) pull out a CB and then hit it to a winger in-behind. But also, b) Merino vs Upamecano battle will be one to watch: Merino should win in the air. Double-9 thing could be helpful for midfielders/FBs running in behind.

1. Attacking set pieces: Bayern have surrendered 6 in the Bundesliga, which is 75% of their total goals allowed. They pack the six-yard, but temperamentally, they don’t seem aggressive in chaotic situations in the box. Can be flat-footed. I'd look at flick-ons.

That exact shift probably saves the Sunderland result 🥲

My feeling is to trust the backline and try to score 3. Throw bodies forward and commit to wide overloads.