Cluj are one of three teams in Group E that are stuck on three points. The Romanians are currently stationed third behind Basel but that could change at the end of Matchday 4 should they win against Bayern Munich and there is a draw between the Swiss side and Roma in the other match in the group.
However, Cluj have won just one of their three opening matches in the Champions League and also lost to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Matchday 3. Furthermore, the Feroviarii have conceded more goals than they have scored, raising questions on their ability to cope defensively against what remains a very good attacking Bayern side despite their injury problems.
Cluj’s domestic form has been erratic as they are only in mid-table after drawing 1-1 with Otelul Galatu on Saturday. Coach Sorin Cartu knows how difficult it will be playing against the German giants and said on Monday, “I don't think Bayern are any less dangerous than they were in Munich. Their team will be similar to last time so we won't go charging in. We respect Bayern and anticipate a very tough game: they are always very strong in possession games and are very difficult to play against.”
He added, “Bayern are 90% there in terms of securing a place in the top two and they are going to play their normal game, with lots of possession. The key will be stopping them impose their style – we'll wait and see. We'll need a lot of luck to get a draw but even that would be a good result against Bayern.”
Win And Go Through
Bayern Munich have been largely disappointing in the German Bundesliga and there is a distinct possibility that they will not be able to successfully defend their title, but in Europe the Bavarians seemingly can do no wrong.
Perched on top spot in Group E with nine points from three matches, Louis Van Gaal’s side are going great guns in the Champions League. A win on Wednesday evening against Cluj will guarantee them a place in the last 16 and will help them focus more on domestic issues with two more rounds of matches left in the group stage.
Last season’s Champions League finalists are on a seven-match unbeaten run against Romanian oppositions and will be eager to extend that. Furthermore, Bayern received a huge boost ahead of the match when they defeated Freiburg 4-2 in the Bundesliga to rise up to seventh in the table.
Then on Monday afternoon the club released a statement saying that president Uli Hoeness and coach Louis van Gaal are back on talking terms after a recent exchange of words between the two men.
Van Gaal, though, remains focused on defeating Cluj and said on Monday, “We are very confident – we're not even considering the possibility of losing. I think the motivation to win here comes from reaching the final last year.
“The players are used to being motivated for every game so the gap between the two teams in terms of points is not an issue for me and my players.”
TEAM NEWS
Cluj
Gabriel Muresan has not played since his right leg injury in late September while Yssouf Kone is not in the squad because of a knee ligament damage in August.
Bayern Munich
Holger Badstuber will miss the game because of a groin problem while Miroslav Klose, Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Mark van Bommel, Ivica Olic and Diego Contento were already ruled out, leaving Van Gaal with just 15 players.
Prediction
Bayern Munich will guarantee their place in the round of 16 with a win and they may just be able to eke out a victory. Cluj are playing at home but Bayern do have the potential as well as the European form to return from Romania with maximum points.
CFR Cluj 1-3 Bayern Munich 
