MATCHDAY: Bayern plays Gladbach; Liverpool cup game in doubt

A look at what’s happening around European soccer on Friday:

GERMANY

Borussia Mönchenglbach hopes to take vant of Bayern Munich’s defensive frailties. Bayern has conceded first in each of its last eight Bundesliga games and uncharacteristically let in 21 goals in 14 league games so far. It hasn’t conceded that many at this st of Bundesliga since Jürgen Klinsmann was in charge in 2008. Glbach coach Marco Rose is aware of defending champions’ problems. “Of course we look in our analysis to see where re’s room we can use,” Rose said. “Everyone kws that Bayern likes to push up and defend high because it often helps m enforce ir dominance with ball.” Bayern didn’t lose any of eight games despite conceding first.

ENGLAND

Liverpool's FA Cup game against Aston Villa is in doubt after Villa on Thursday reported a significant coronavirus outbreak that forced it to close its training ground. Villa could have to play youth team players as Derby is doing against Chorley in third round following a spate of COVID-19 cases. Premier League champion Liverpool has t won in three games after failing to beat both West Bromwich and Newcastle before losing to Southampton. In ar cup meeting of Premier League clubs in third round, Wolverhampton Wanderers hosts Crystal Palace. Patrick Cutrone and Morgan Gibbs-White could be included in Wolves squ after being recalled from loans.

SPAIN

Celta Vigo hosts Villarreal in league after a humbling loss to a third-tier team in Copa del Rey. Celta, which lost 5-2 at Ibiza, h been on an excellent run in December under new coach Eduardo Coudet will face fifth-place Villarreal without striker Iago Aspas and forward Manuel “lito” Agudo, both injured. Aspas is expected to be out several weeks with a right-leg muscle injury. Aspas is league’s joint-top scorer with nine goals alongside Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Villarreal’s Gerard More.

Im credits: AP