Enzo Maresca's Chelsea return to the Allianz Arena, site of their first Champions League triumph, but face a battle against former striker Nicolas Jackson, who left on loan to Bayern Munich last month. The Senegal international is desperate to prove Chelsea wrong after a dramatic deadline-day move.
Jackson flew to Germany on 30 August after Bayern agreed a loan with an option to buy, but the deal collapsed when Liam Delap suffered a hamstring injury against Fulham. Chelsea refused to let Jackson leave with only João Pedro as fit striker. However, Jackson refused to return and eventually secured a loan with a €65m obligation to buy triggered by appearances.
Maresca had lost patience after Jackson's second red card in three games, but the manager previously called him 'my perfect No 9'. Bayern boss Vincent Kompany, a fan of Jackson, has reportedly asked for tips on Maresca's tactics. Chelsea travel as world champions, while Bayern hope Jackson's knowledge of his former club gives them an edge.
The match promises an intriguing tactical battle between two Pep Guardiola disciples. Maresca may use the formation that beat Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final, with Cole Palmer pushing right and Reece James joining Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo in midfield. Kompany, who won the Bundesliga in his first season, has doubters after Burnley's relegation.
