Germany World Cup winner Sami Khedira has named Bayern Munich as his favourites to go all the way in the Champions League.
Bayern secured their spot in the knockout phase of this year’s competition in some style having won seven and losing just one of their eight group-stage matches under Vincent Kompany.
Arsenal were the only team to better Bayern’s points tally, finishing their group-stage campaign with an all-conquering 100 per cent record to establish themselves as a genuine powerhouse in Europe once again.
As one of the top seeds, Bayern know they will face one of Bayer Leverkusen or Atalanta in the next round and they are likely to be the overwhelming favourites to progress regardless of who they are paired with in Friday’s draw.
Harry Kane has been in sensational form for the German champions, scoring eight in eight in this year’s competition while netting 28 times – more than double his closest rival – in the Bundesliga.
After Inter Milan eliminated Bayern at the quarter-final stage last term, the England captain will be hoping he can continue his extraordinary goalscoring exploits to help put things right this time around.
According to Khedira, Bayern are the ‘absolute number one’ team to come out on top, as long as they manage avoid the kind of injury woes that derailed their campaign 12 months ago.
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‘For me, it will be crucial that Bayern Munich go into the knockout phase reasonably rested,’ the ex-Real Madrid and Juventus midfielder told German publication Kicker.
‘But the most important thing in this crucial phase will be that their spine, their absolute top players and game-changers, are healthy and fit, especially mentally.
‘Then, for me, they are the absolute number one, even ahead of Arsenal.’
Who is more likely to win this year's Champions League?
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Bayern Munich
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Arsenal
Bayern were without three of their star men in Manuel Neuer, Jamal Musiala and Dayot Upamecano when Inter beat them to a place in the semi-finals last season.
‘At this level, no squad can really compensate for that,’ Khedira explained.
‘That’s especially true when Bayern’s squad is deliberately kept smaller, consciously consisting of younger players and talents.’
Although Bayern and Arsenal are Khedira’s most fancied teams, the 2014 Champions League winner believes PSG, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City could all realistically lift the trophy in May.
‘I also see Barcelona as a great team, but not as favorites,’ Khedira added.
‘I have a huge respect for Hansi Flick and I also like their style of play because it’s simply attractive to watch.
‘But they can’t seem to get their defensive problems under control.’
How to watch the Champions League draw on TV and live stream
The draw for the next round of the Champions League takes place on Friday February 27 at 11am UK time.
It will be available to watch on TNT Sports 1 and free of charge on the TNT Sports YouTube channel.
Who can the Premier League teams play?
Arsenal
Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen or Atalanta
Chelsea
Newcastle, Monaco or PSG
Liverpool
Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray or Juventus
Man City
Bodo/Glimt, Real Madrid or Benfica
Tottenham
Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray or Juventus
Newcastle
Chelsea or Barcelona
Who can the other teams play?
Barcelona
Newcastle, Monaco or PSG
Bayern Munich
Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen
Sporting
Bodo/Glimt, Real Madrid or Benfica
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