<p>Bayern Munich and Chelsea will return to their rivalry on Thursday, September 18, at 05:00 (AEST) as they both kick off their 2025/26 UCL campaigns.</p> <p>The two teams have some big history, with the 2011/12 final being a standout moment between these two clubs. Chelsea won that encounter on penalties at Bayern’s ground, but they’ve only recorded one win in normal time over the Germans in five meetings.</p> <p>Will Enzo Maresca’s side change their horrid form against Die Roten, or will Vincent Kompany’s side continue to enjoy the traditional dominant success?</p> <h2>Bayern vs Chelsea Betting Preview</h2> <p>The two previous meetings between these sides ended with Bayern dominating. In a Round of 16 tie in the 2019/20 season, they went on to win the two legs 7-1 on aggregate, including a 4-1 victory at home. In addition, they’ve won three of the last four meetings.</p> <p>Harry Kane enters the game in red-hot form, having recorded two goals in their 5-0 win over Hamburg at the weekend to take his tally to eight in five games. Luis Díaz continues to impress in a Bayern shirt after his move from Liverpool, as he, Kane, and Michael Olise have combined for 11 goals in the first three league matches.</p> <p>Nicolas Jackson will face the team he is on loan from, should he get on the pitch. A move to the Bundesliga side happened after he fell down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge due to the arrivals of João Pedro and Liam Delap, so he may feel he has a point to prove if he does get some minutes here.&nbsp;</p> <p>Chelsea, meanwhile, are FIFA Club World Cup Champions after beating PSG, but they’ve been a little inconsistent since. Despite being unbeaten in the Premier League, Maresca’s side have won two and drawn two in their first four fixtures.</p> <p>Cole Palmer did make a scoring return to the side at the weekend against Brentford, while João Pedro is the leading scorer and assist provider. Jamie Gittens could have a breakout game for the Blues, as he knows German opposition well after his time with Borussia Dortmund.</p> <h2>Bayern vs Chelsea Betting Predictions</h2> <p>The Germans are heavy favourites in the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/uefa-competitions/uefa-champions-league/bayern-munich-v-chelsea-9576225">Bayern vs Chelsea betting odds</a>, with their form and previous record against the English side significant factors.</p> <p>However, there is value in backing Chelsea as the perceived underdogs in this game. Remember, everyone had written them off against PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup final before they absolutely decimated the Parisians, and the same could happen in this game.</p> <p>With both clubs boasting quality in attack, the ‘Both Teams to Score’ market looks a good value bet. It has hit in seven of Bayern Munich's last eight Champions League home matches against teams from England. As an extension, the ‘Over 2.5 goals' option is also worth considering, especially with a number of exciting players in such top form.</p>