Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid: 8 Predictions for First Leg of Champions League

Tonight, two perennial juggernauts of European football, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, square off against one another in what promises to be an exhilarating match for a possible berth in the finals of this season's Champions League. 

Both teams host a world-class roster and have shelled out impressive performances over the entirety of the season. Between them, they also represent two of the most successful teams in Champions League history. 

Obviously, a lot is on the line. 

Here are 10 predictions for the first leg. 

Bastian Schweinsteiger Will Start

Luis Gustavo has performed impressively well, partnering Toni Kroos at the center. 

However, Bastian Schweinsteiger has recuperated and is back to fitness levels. When fully fit, Bastian Schweinsteiger is one of the most phenomenal players to have ever played the game.

His passing is phenomenal, and so is his tackling. He can provide defense splitting through balls, and I rate him above his more renowned teammates like Arjen Robben and Mario Gomez. 

Expect him to be a key contributor to the game. 

Kaka Will Start over Özil

Both Kaka and Mesut Özil have been in tremendous form this season. 

However, for a huge game like this Kaka's experience might come in handy, and I predict him to get the nod over Özil. 

Bayern Will Employ a 4-2-3-1 Formation

In all likelihood, Bayern will employ a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Manuel Neuer will be in goal, while David Alaba, Holger Badstuber, Jerome Boateng and Philipp Lahm will form the back four. 

Schweinsteiger and Toni Kroos will operate as central midfielders while Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Thomas Müller will operate as attacking midfielder left, attacking midfielder right and attacking midfielder center, respectively. 

Mario Gomez will lead the charge up front. 

...So Will Real Madrid

Expect some congestion in the middle of the field, as Real Madrid will seek to employ a similar formation with a five-man midfield. 

The expected lineup is: 

Iker Casillas; Alvaro Arbeloa, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Fabio Coentrao; Sami Khedira, Xabi Alonso; Angel Di Maria, Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo; Karim Benzema. 

Cristiano Ronaldo Will Go Missing

Cristiano Ronaldo has a habit of going missing in key games. And it does not help that the player manning his flank is Philipp Lahm. 

Philipp Lahm is hands down one of the greatest right-backs that I have ever witnessed. Lahm is a great holder of the ball and also especially strong in passing. 

He has been impressive this season as well, and I am convinced that he will be able to neutralize Ronaldo effectively. 

Bayern's Wing Play Will Undo Real Madrid

Both Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben are two exquisite examples of world-class wingers. Both have torn apart opposition on a consistent basis with their marauding runs and superb passes from the flanks.

Between them, they have racked up 22 goals and 16 assists in the Bundesliga and five goals and 10 assists in the Champions League. 

Furthermore, their incisive passes will be latched onto by Mario Gomez, who has racked up 35 goals this season. 

Bayern's Defense Will Be Tested

Real Madrid boast a strong offensive unit with the likes of Di Maria, Kaka/Özil, Ronaldo and Benzema. This unit is bolstered further by Xabi Alonso's phenomenal passing. 

Bayern's defence will have to look sharp to prevent goals and be able to set up the likes of Ribery and Robben for a swift counterattack. 

Bayern Munich Will Win the First Leg

I expect Bayern Munich to win by three goals to one. 

Bayern Munich will open their account with a Mario Gomez shot from a Franck Ribery cross, while Real Madrid will soon equalize. 

The second half will favor Bayern a bit more. Real Madrid will be on the offensive, and as a result, they will concede two sloppy goals from counterattacks.