Dietmar Hamann has tipped FC Bayern Munich to progress against Liverpool in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

The two sides do battle in the first leg at Anfield next Tuesday, before contesting the return fixture at the Allianz Arena three weeks later, and Hamann, who represented both clubs as a player, believes the Bavarians hold a number of advantages over Jürgen Klopp’s side - starting with the respective teams’ current form.

“Since the draw, Bayern have appeared reasonably solid, whereas Liverpool have stuttered somewhat," said the former Germany international, who won the competition with Liverpool in 2005. "Add in the fact that Liverpool are out of the FA Cup and don't play this weekend.

"For me, the most important thing is being in the rhythm of playing matches, and Liverpool don't have that at the moment. I think it's more of a disadvantage than an advantage that they have had more time and fewer games to prepare for this match."

Bayern warmed up for the trip to Liverpool with a 3-2 win over Augsburg on Friday night. - imago/Eibner

Bayern's players, by contrast, should be firmly in the mindset of competitive action following Friday’s taxing Bundesliga win at neighbouring Augsburg, where they recovered from conceding an own goal inside 17 seconds to win 3-2, courtesy of two goals from Kingsley Coman and another from David Alaba.

Coman was forced off with an injury late on in the game, but the Frenchman was given the all-clear to face Liverpool on Saturday morning, and his pace will be a hugely valuable asset to Niko Kovac’s side.

Liverpool have pace in abundance themselves, notably in the form of their front three Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and former Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino. Yet while Hamann sees them as a major threat, he believes Bayern have the tools to neutralise one of European football’s best attacking triumvirates and obtain a good result in the first leg, which he believes is vital.

Bayern will have to keep Liverpool's forward trio of former Hoffenheim striker Roberto Firmino (l.), Mohamed Salah (c.) and Sadio Mane (r.) quiet, according to Hamann. - AFP/Getty Images

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"In Bayern's position I would defend deep – if you give Liverpool room in behind, they are very dangerous," he said. "They are also susceptible to the counter-attack and that's a concern, but Bayern have the experience and know-how to sense when the opposition is vulnerable, and that's why they have a massive opportunity to get a good result at Anfield. And they really have to – they can't lose the game. If you're playing the second leg at home and you have to win, then it's tough, because you need to open up, and that plays into Liverpool's hands on the break."

In a blow for Kovac, Thomas Müller will miss both games due to suspension after his red card in the final group game against Ajax, but Liverpool have their own problems with absentees, chief among them concerning defender Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch defender international is banned for the first game and Bayern have to take advantage, Hamann believes.

"He's the most important player in Liverpool’s team," he said. "He's the leader, the communicator, he directs others and makes his team-mates better, and I've rarely known a player that has transformed an entire defensive unit like he has. Kovac's team have to make the fact that he's not playing the first leg count. But overall, I think Bayern will have enough to progress."

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