Champions League GW1: Chelsea Predicted Lineup Against Bayern Munich

As the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League league phase kicks off, Chelsea FC faces a daunting yet thrilling challenge: an away fixture against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening.

The Blues, fresh off their FIFA Club World Cup triumph and an unbeaten start to the Premier League season, return to Europe's elite competition for the first time since 2023, under manager Enzo Maresca.

Bayern, managed by Vincent Kompany, enter the match in blistering form, having won all three of their Bundesliga openers and the DFB Cup first round, with Harry Kane already netting eight goals this campaign.

This clash evokes memories of Chelsea's iconic 2012 Champions League final penalty shootout victory in Munich, but history also favours the hosts, who dismantled the Blues 7-1 on aggregate in the 2019-20 round of 16. With Bayern boasting a formidable attack featuring Premier League alumni like Kane, Luis Díaz, and Michael Olise, Chelsea will need to be tactically astute and defensively solid.

Drogba's 2012 moment ✨#UCL pic.twitter.com/zMt6pkcyvt

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 14, 2024

Recent reports indicate Chelsea could face a familiar face in former striker Nicolas Jackson, who joined Bayern on an initial loan during the summer transfer window.

Key returns include Cole Palmer from a groin issue, scoring off the bench in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Brentford, and potential involvement from young winger Estevao, who missed that game due to illness but has re-joined training. However, absences like Liam Delap (hamstring), Romeo Lavia, Benoit Badiashile, and others force Maresca to rely on squad depth.

🚨 Estevao is back in training. pic.twitter.com/yZvRmu308O

— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) September 15, 2025

Predicted Starting XI: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez

Sánchez is expected to retain his spot in goal, having solidified his position as Chelsea's No. 1 this season. The Spanish keeper's distribution skills will be crucial for building from the back against Bayern's aggressive press. With no reported injuries in the goalkeeping department, he's a safe bet to start.

Defenders:

• Right-Back: Reece James
  The England international, fully recovered from previous injury woes, is predicted to anchor the right flank. James brings defensive solidity and overlapping runs that could exploit spaces left by Bayern's full-backs. His leadership at the back will be vital in containing wing threats like Serge Gnabry or Olise.
• Center-Backs: Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah
  With Badiashile sidelined and Wesley Fofana most likely not fit enough to start, Adarabioyo and Chalobah form a robust partnership at the heart of defense. Chalobah has been one of Chelsea's standout performers early in the season, offering aerial dominance and composure under pressure—essential against Kane's movement. Adarabioyo provides ball-playing ability to transition play forward.
• Left-Back: Marc Cucurella
  Cucurella's versatility and work rate make him the ideal choice on the left. Rested during parts of the Brentford match, he's fresh and ready to track Bayern's right-sided attackers. His recovery pace could be key in a high-line system.

Midfielders:

• Defensive Midfield: Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo
  The double pivot of Fernández and Caicedo is the engine room, providing balance and energy. Fernández's vision and passing range will dictate tempo, while Caicedo's tenacity in duels will shield the backline from Bayern's quick transitions. This duo has been instrumental in Chelsea's unbeaten domestic run, and Maresca will lean on them to disrupt Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović in the centre.

Attacking Midfielders and Forwards:

• Right Wing: Pedro Neto
  The Portuguese speedster's direct dribbling and crossing ability make him a nightmare for defenses. Acquired in the summer, Neto has already shown promise and could stretch Bayern's left side, creating overloads for Palmer centrally.
• Central Attacking Midfielder: Cole Palmer
  Palmer's return is a massive boost. The England star, who dazzled last season with double-digit goals and assists, thrives in the No. 10 role. His creativity, dead-ball expertise, and cool finishing—evident in his Brentford cameo—could unlock Bayern's defense. Expect him to drop deep and link play.
• Left Wing: Alejandro Garnacho
  Garnacho's explosive pace and flair add dynamism to the left. His ability to cut inside and shoot will test Bayern's full-back Konrad Laimer, while complementing Cucurella playing around him.
• Striker: João Pedro
  With Delap out and Jackson now at Bayern, João Pedro leads the line. The Brazilian forward's hold-up play, movement, and finishing make him a suitable focal point. He'll need to pin back Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah, allowing space for the wingers to exploit.

My team to face Bayern Munich. Thoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/TGyn1yfCHm

— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) September 15, 2025

Tactical Outlook and Key Battles

Maresca's 4-2-3-1 allows Chelsea to maintain possession while being compact defensively, aiming to hit Bayern on the counter with Neto's and Garnacho's speed. The midfield battle between Fernández/Caicedo and Bayern's Kimmich/Pavlović will be pivotal—win it, and Chelsea can control the game; lose it, and Kane's clinical finishing could prove decisive.

Standout matchups include James vs. Díaz on the right, where defensive discipline meets Premier League pedigree, and Palmer vs. the Bayern midfield, testing the young Englishman's big-game temperament. Injuries have tested Chelsea's depth, but this lineup reflects Maresca's trust in youth and resilience.

Final Thoughts

Chelsea enter as underdogs, but their recent form (two wins, two draw in the Premier League) and hunger for European success could make this a competitive affair.

Kick-off is at 8:00 PM BST (3:00 PM ET), broadcast on TNT Sports 2 in the UK and Paramount+ in the US. For Chelsea fans, it's time to channel that 2012 spirit—come on, you Blues!