Bayern Munich vs. Manchester City Betting Odds, Champions League Preview

What a marquee match for the Champions League Group E stage opener, with German giants Bayern Munich hosing Premier League champion Manchester City.

Man City is, obviously, the road betting underdog, and after winning their first two matches in the EPL, they lost a shocker at home to Stoke City and then played to a draw facing Arsenal in their last match.

Bayern Munich easily won the Bundesliga last season, and after three matches this season, they are in a tie for first place with two wins and a draw.

The sportsbooks tracked by Odds Shark have Bayern as the Champions League betting favorite in this match, posted at 4-6, with Manchester City at 17-4 and a draw line of 16-5.

This is the second straight season where Bayern and City have been drawn into the same Champions League group.

Last season in Germany, Manchester City beat Bayern Munich 3-2 in the group stage.

Bayern's offense has looked a little sluggish in scoring five goals in three Bundesliga matches, but their defense has looked good, only conceding two goals.

Vincent Kompany and Martin Demichelis will start in the center back defense for Man City, but with the ball control that Bayern has, the probable midfield trio of Yaya Toure, David Silva and Fernandinho may be more important for the visitors.

Sergio Aguero scored in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal, and he is the player that the Bayern defense has to key on. Still, Man City has other attacking options, with the midfield being a dangerous one for opposing defenders, especially on the counterattack.

Man City will be without manager Manuel Pellegrini, who is suspended after comments made following his side's elimination at the hands of Barcelona in last season's Champions League.

One of the reasons Bayern is not in top form is because they are dealing with several key injuries. However, Franck Ribery made his season debut in their last match and scored a goal. With him and Xabi Alonso, the hosts will have great ball control in the midfield, and they will set up several scoring chances.

Prediction: Neither of these squads is in top form, but playing in Germany, Bayern will get some revenge on City from last season's defeat and will beat the EPL side 2-1.

Stats and odds courtesy of Odds Shark.