Liverpool and Bayern Munich have kicked off the mind games ahead of Tuesday’s 10 pm titanic Champions League last-16 first-leg clash at Anfield.
With five titles each and recent finals appearances, both heavyweights are pegging the other as favourites.
Bayern defender Joshua Kimmich says: “Liverpool are the favourites. They’ve lost one league game all season and have let in only 15 goals.
“When you see their style of playing, they have a really good defence and their offensive line is also amazing.
“It won’t be easy to fight against them.”
Joshua Kimmich. Photo: ANDREAS GEBERT/REUTERS
Reds coach Jurgen Klopp, though, says: “They have quality in all departments and we have to admit that because it’s a fact.
“We are a good side, we know that, but we don’t go into the game as favourites.
We will play them with all we have.”
Klopp, meanwhile, has a defensive headache as he looks to guide his team back to the final after their 3-0 loss to Real Madrid in Kiev last May.
With yster Virgil van Dijk suspended for the clash, the German will have to manage Dejan Lovren’s hamstring problem.
The Croatian will not be able to start alongside Joel Matip but could be on the bench to cover with Fabinho stepping into the defence.