Bayern Munich vs. Lokomotiv Moscow – Champions League, December 9, 2020

Bayern Munich has already sealed a spot in the Champions League knockout stages. However, the other three teams in Group A – Atletico Madrid, RB Salzburg, and Lokomotiv Moscow – can all still qualify for the Round of 16.

Lokomotiv currently sits at the bottom of the pile, but the Russians will be hoping to upset the odds when they visit the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, December 9.

You can find my Bayern Munich vs. Lokomotiv Moscow prediction and betting pick below.

It is hardly surprising that the bookmakers view Bayern Munich (1.30) as the obvious favorite. After all, the defensing European champions are seven points clear at the top of Group A.

Having said that, Lokomotiv Moscow (8.75) still has everything to play for on Matchday 6. We are likely to see a spirited display from Marko Nikolic’s team on Wednesday.

Following four straight victories, Bayern dropped their first Champions League points of the season last week. In fact, the Bavarians were outplayed by Atletico Madrid for much of the match, before Thomas Muller rescued a draw from the penalty spot late on.

Hansi Flick’s men were also held to a draw in their previous outing. Despite taking a 2-1 lead against RB Leipzig, they found themselves 3-2 down just after half-time. But once again, Muller came to the rescue to snatch a point for his side.

It probably wouldn’t be fair to say that Bayern has been playing poorly recently, although the Bavarians will be the first to admit that they haven’t been at their best of late. Still, they will view the visit of Lokomotiv as an ideal chance to get back on track.

Goal-machine Robert Lewandowski has now gone two games without hitting the target. Needless to say, the lethal striker will be desperate to return to scoring ways on Wednesday.

Believe it or not – Lokomotiv Moscow is yet to win a Champions League game this season. Defeats to Bayern and Salzburg have prevented the club from making their mark on Group A, yet three draws have kept the Russians in contention for a place in the next round.

After clinching a tie on Matchday 1, Loko managed to secured back-to-back draws with Atletico. Sure, there is no denying that Diego Simeone’s side should have won on both occasions. But Nikolic’s men must be given huge credit for twice avoiding defeat against one of Europe’s in-form teams.

Lokomotiv also pushed Bayern to their limits on Matchday 2, narrowly losing 2-1 back in October. However, the team’s weaknesses were exposed in a 3-1 defeat to Salzburg last week.

Nikolic’s side bounced back by beating Rubin Kazan 3-1 on Saturday, with Vladislav Ignatyev scoring two goals and assisting the other. If Loko is to upset the odds against Bayern, their key players must all be at the very top of their game on Wednesday.

Following a couple of draws, you can bet your bottom dollar that Bayern will be eager to return to winning ways on Wednesday. The Bavarians rarely go two matches without a victory, making a three-game winless run almost incomprehensible.

Lokomotiv must win to stand any chance reaching the Round of 16, but with the onus on the Russians, I can see them leaving their backline exposed.