Crossing swords with Premier League giant Manchester City might be one of the rare moments when Bayern Munich is deemed an underdog.
As a matter of fact, this Tuesday evening the Bavarians challenge one of Europe's best sides, while Thomas Tuchel's team is burdened with a striker problem.
While concerns remain regarding the German side's recently wavering performances, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea coach is counting on a successful outcome of the delicate duel.
Despite the Bavarians' apparent striker problem, the 49-year-old isn't willing to give up early in advance of meeting former Bayern coach Pep Guardiola while being aware of his team's difficulties.
The Sky Blues can boast of the goal hunger of their top striker Erling Haaland, while Bayern's strikers seem stuck in a crisis when it comes to efficiency up front.
Their only box striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has to deal with the consequences of an injury, and it seems doubtful the 34-year-old forward might be ready for action in time.
Prominent names like Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, Thomas Muller, Kingsley Coman, and Jamal Musiala currently lack efficiency.
As an example, German international Sane has spoiled many big chances in recent games.
In the league game against Freiburg, defender Matthijs de Ligt became the team's life-saving figure, scoring the winner following the disappointing defeat in the German Cup against Freiburg only a week ago.
The Cup encounter revealed Bayern's striker problem as the Bavarians lost 2-1 in the dying minutes after having failed to use many chances.
"We know we have to deliver a perfect game, but games in the Champions League start from zero for both," Tuchel said ahead of the first leg in England.
"Efficiency is coming back to us, I am sure about that," said the 2021 Champions League winner.
Meanwhile, Bayern's leaders seem aware of having to take action to solve the striker problem after losing their most successful striker Robert Lewandowski.
The work of sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic is aimed at the future as rumors remain that Bayern is interested in Tottenham's Harry Kane or Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani.
Against the Citizens, Tuchel must operate with the current range of strikers and, as he announced, find helpful tactical solutions to keep Guardiola's side under control.
"We travel to Manchester with confidence and determination," Tuchel added.
