Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich V Inter Milan

Date & kick-off: Tuesday, 15th March – 19:45 (GMT)
Venue: Allianz Arena
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD4

If the return leg is half-as-entertaining as the first, we’re in for a real cracker in Munich. There were chances a plenty, some quality football on show, as well as the odd world-class individual here and there, with the only genuine disappointment being the distinct lack of goals.

Mario Gomez’s 90th minute winner at the San Siro a fortnight ago may well prove decisive, with Bayern stealing a march on the Nerrazzuri with a 1-0 triumph in Milan, as last season’s finalists lock horns at the Allianz Arena for the concluding second leg of their Last-16 tie.

So, it all sounds fairly simple for Bayern from here on out, as all the Bavarians have to do now is avoid defeat on their own patch.

The fact Louis Van Gaal’s side have won each of their previous seven UEFA Champions League matches in Munich, inside a quite stunning Allianz Arena – also, Bayern winning on all 20 occasions where they have won the first-leg away from home – stands them in extremely good stead as they bid to avenge their 2-0 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu in last term’s showpiece.

Bayern Munich

- Bayern have never been eliminated from Europe when winning the first-leg away from home, qualifying from similarly commanding positions as they are in now on no less than twenty previous occasions.

- A win or a draw would carry Bayern Munich through to the quarter-finals, so it bodes well that they are currently on a seven-match winning streak in the Champions League when playing at the Allianz Arena.

- Mario Gomez is Bayern’s leading goalscorer this season with 28 goals in all competitions, seven of which came in the Champions League although only one was scored in Munich.

- Louis Van Gaal is still shorn of the hard-working Ivica Olic up front, but other than that the Bayern manager has a fully fit squad to pick from.

While it’s clear that Bayern do hold the upper hand, complacency, or even arrogance, can have a detrimental affect and this is why manager Louis Van Gaal has been keen to stress the importance of maintaining the standard which saw the Bavarians tear shreds out of Hamburg at the weekend.

A 6-0 rout of fellow German Bundesliga side Hamburg, who are a very accomplished team, was the ideal warm-up for Bayern. Not only did it stop the rot, with Van Gaal’s men previously losing two league games on the spin, but it also boosted the confidence levels of several key figures considerably. Arjen Robben bagged a hat-trick while there were also goals for Franck Ribery and Thomas Muller as ‘Die Roten’ recorded their biggest victory of the season just days before their make or break clash with the Nerrazzuri in Munich.

The club are all set to relinquish their Bundesliga crown with a whimper while the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) will also pass them by, so the importance of Tuesday’s match shouldn’t be underestimated as the Champions League is Bayern’s last shot at silverware this season. It is now down to the players to show just how hungry and determined they are to finish an otherwise dismal campaign, one which will end on a sour note anyway with Louis Van Gaal leaving, on a massive high by clinching their fifth European title.

To win 2010/2011 UEFA Champions League - 15.00 Boylesports
To Qualify for the Quarter-Finals - 1.22 WilliamHill

Inter Milan

- Only one club in UEFA Champions League history, Ajax, have successfully overturned a first-leg home defeat to clinch the tie; a feat Inter must acheive on Tuesday if they’re to prolong the defence of their European crown.

- The Nerrazzuri have failed to win on any of their previous four visits to Germany, while the team didn’t win any of their away matches in Group A when Rafael Benitez was at the helm: FC Twente (Draw 2-2), Tottenham Hotspur (Lost 3-1) & Werder Bremen (Lost 3-0).

- Samuel Eto has notched up 30 goals this season and is comfortably Inter’s leading scorer for the term, while seven of those strikes came in this very competition although only two of which were away from home.

- Inter coach Leonardo is without Walter Samuel and Diego Milito, while Esteban Cambiasso is rated as doubtful although Lucio may recover in time from a buttock injury.

A very late concession at home two weeks ago means Inter’s defence of their 2009/2010 title is hanging by a thread, however Nerrazzuri coach Leonardo believes the tie is far from over and that his players don’t just have the ability to overturn the disconcerting deficit but also the desire and passion of a club desperate not to relinquish the title they worked tirelessly to get their hands on last season.

If they are to successfully defend their crown then they’ll have to do it the hard way from this moment onwards, as their late concession at home two weeks ago means Inter now require an historic victory in Germany. Not only has just one solitary club in Champions League history defied a first-leg defeat at home to go on and clinch the tie, Bayern Munich have never bowed out of Europe after winning the away leg first up. So it’s a daunting prospect for the Nerrazzuri, although one the are looking forward to according to their manager.

Unlike their Last-16 rivals, Inter’s preparations haven’t gone to plan, that despite playing their weekend fixture in Serie A 24 hours earlier than the German side. Leonardo saw his side drop two potentially costly points away at Brescia in a match they were leading up till the 85th minute, with the result also putting the brakes on their four-match winning run in Serie A, so a real momentum-buster.

Inter have also had their fair share of problems on the road this season as well, losing five in Serie A, all to top-quality opposition, while they drew one and lost two of their Group A encounters with FC Twente, Tottenham Hotspur and Werder Bremen.

To win 2010/2011 UEFA Champions League - 45.00 Unibet
To Qualify for the Quarter-Finals - 4.50 BetFred

Match Prediction: Bayern Munich to WIN -1.95 PaddyPower

Two top-quality sides clash at the Allianz Arena but it’s Bayern Munich the punters can get enough of. The Bavarians are incredibly consistent in their own backyard and will take some beating on Tuesday night, whereas Inter have been a source of frustration for the most part on their travels this season and are still awaiting their first away win in Europe.

Both sides created a hat-ful of chances in the opening leg at the San Siro, however, the glorious ones invariably fell at Bayern’s doorstep. Only one was dispatched on that occasion, but it should be a different story in Munich when Louis Van Gaal’s men return to the scene of the crime, where they hammered Hamburg 6-0 at the weekend and are threatening to do the same to the defending champions if Inter turn up and are as woeful as they’ve been throughout the competition away from home.

With the likes of Samuel Eto and Wesley Sneijder in their ranks, you cannot completely rule Inter Milan out. But Bayern Munich are in such a commanding position that I simply do not see them throwing the tie away, not at a venue where they have won their previous seven Champions League encounters and where they were unstoppable at the weekend. If Bayern create opportunities similar to that of which they created over in Italy two weeks ago, we fear it could be a comprehensive win for the Germans.

Value Bet: Bayern Munich to Score 3 or More Goals – 3.60 PaddyPower

Match Odds:

Bayern Munich – 1.95 PaddyPower
Draw – 3.75 Bet365
Inter Milan – 4.20 SkyBet

Inter Milan V Bayern Munich

Date & kick-off: Wednesday, 23rd February – 19:45 (GMT)
Competition: UEFA Champions League; Last-16 First Leg
Venue: San Siro
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD2

The last meeting between the two clubs was hardly a thriller, but it was a gripping affair nonetheless, mainly because of what was at stake on that occasion. Wednesday’s Last-16 First Leg promises to be just as riveting as Bayern Munich and Inter Milan lock horns for the fourth time in Champions League history aiming to put their indifferent league campaigns to one side and concentrate on another titanic European battle with one another.

Of course, this is a repeat of last season’s final where Inter Milan comfortably beat a toothless Bayern Munich 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid. Diego Milito was the hero that night, the Argentinian scoring both goals as Inter ended their 45-year wait for Europe’s elite prize, completing an historic treble in the process as well. But so much has changed since then, and you could even argue that Inter have gone backwards in their progression whereas Bayern, especially of late, have made some giant strides towards restoring their once formidable aurora.

So why are these two clashing at such an early stage in proceedings? Inter’s unconvincing route to the knock-outs, that’s why. The Italians, who were then under the management of former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, finished second in Group A as opposed to a Bayern side who stormed through their group with five victories and one defeat. However, interestingly, that solitary reverse just so happens to have been in Italy against one of Inter’s arch-rivals AS Roma, and that defeat may well have left a little seed of doubt in the minds of the Bayern Munich players.

With regards to recent form, it promises to be a thrilling encounter, with goals-a-plenty. Bayern have been been banging them in left, right and centre now that Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are both back in the fray following injuries and off-pitch fiascos respectively. Meanwhile Inter, who are now under Leonardo’s attack-minded management, have also been in free-scoring form of late, especially at home.

It’s the strikers at the forefront of both attacks which could take centre stage then on Wednesday, with Samuel Eto the competition’s top-scorer at present with 7 goals, but his opposite number, Mario Gomez, is only one behind one 6. Between them both, 54 goals have been scored in all competitions, with nothing between them with 27-goals-apiece.

Well aware that the Bavarians have secured victory in seven of their previous eight home European matches, Inter know they must make full use of home advantage of Wednesday night, where they’ve won their last seven and not lost any of their previous ten in Europe. Something has to give you feel.

Match Odds (To Win First Leg):

Inter Milan – 2.38 WilliamHill
Draw – 3.40 WilliamHill
Bayern Munich – 3.40 Bet365

To Qualify:

Bayern Munich – 1.83 PaddyPower
Inter Milan – 2.10 VictorChandler

Inter Milan

Comprehensive 2-0 winners when the two teams met in Madrid last May, Inter’s passage through to the Last-16 was anything but as they overcome several morale-crushing defeats en route to qualification, although had to settle for second in the end behind Tottenham Hotspur. Their unconvincing campaign in Europe thus far will be forgotten, though, should they successfully defend their crown, but the Nerazzurri don’t have many friends in the betting rings and are even considered the underdogs in this very tie.

Considering all that has gone on off-the-pitch this season, with Rafael Benitez sacked following a disastrous league campaign and disconcerting results in Europe, where they were beaten emphatically by both Tottenham Hotspur and Werder Bremen, and Leonardo making all the headlines in Milan by becoming the new boss of the Nerazzurri barely six months after he was shown the door at AC Milan, it’s of little surprise that few rate their chances of defending their title they won for the very first time in 45-years last term.

On the plus side, the arrival of Leonardo has sparked Inter into life. Previously suffocated by the tactical nous of Rafael Benitez, the Nerazzurri now play with an element of freedom and, more importantly, with smiles on their faces, something they weren’t doing under the Brazilian’s predecessor. As a result, Inter look a completely different team, especially from an attacking perspective. Of course, it does help that Wesley Sneijder is back to something like his best, the Dutch ace spending much of the first half of the season out of form or on the sidelines with various injuries. But just in general, there’s more fluidity about their play; chances are being created with consummate ease while goals are flying in all over the place.

The blue half of Milan is finally a better place to be around, not least because they are back in the hunt for the Scudetto (Italian league title). Inter are back competing again and fans are well aware of this. It’ll be atmospheric inside the San Siro on Wednesday, you can rest assured on that, and it’s down to the players to ensure the fans maintain their noise right to the final whistle.

Samuel Eto scored seven times during the group stage, the Cameroon international now the competition’s leading scorer, and if he can begin where he left off, which is building on those he already has in the competition but also the 20 he has elsewhere in other competitions for the season, then the Inter stand every chance of sending their supporters home happy.

Bayern Munich

Defeat in Madrid back in May was a bitter pill to swallow for Louis Van Gaal and his Bayern Munich charges, but they haven’t had to wait long for a shot at redemption and on Wednesday in Milan the Bavarians will be eager to atone for their toothless display in last season’s showpiece by building on their superb run of form and making Leonardo’s debut as Nerazzurri manager one to forget.

Although they did secure an impressive league and cup double last season, their failure to complete what would have been an historic treble by clinching the Champions League did tarnish what was still an unbelievable campaign from the Bavarians. But they are well-placed to exact some revenge on the side which inflicted that heartbreaking final defeat upon them, with Louis Van Gaal having masterminded ten victories in Bayern’s last twelves games in all competitions, a run which is already impressive but becomes formidable with the sheer amount of goals they scored – 43 goals in their last 12 games at an average of nearly 4 goals-per-game.

Bayern’s prolific form has coincided with the return of Dutch international Arjen Robben, a player who really does add another dimension. The skillful winger has 5 goals in just 6 appearances since returning from a lengthy injury lay-off, helping to compliment what was already a team in a rich vein of form. Thomas Muller is beginning to replicate the form he displayed at last summer’s World Cup finals, Franck Ribery has his mind back in the game while Mario Gomez has been lethal in front of goal, the German slowly but surely giving the club value for money after joining the club in a £30million+ deal back in 2009. Gomez scored 6 times en route to Bayern topping Group E and has a staggering 27 goals for the season.

After Louis Van Gaal had a public dig at Inter Milan’s defensive reputation, we think it’s safe to presume that Bayern will head to Milan with one though in mind, to attack. It’s what they do best and when they do click, they can be unstoppable as they almost are at the present, suffering just one defeat in their last twelve competition matches.

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Group Stage Summary

Inter Milan

Even though they were drawn in a tricky group which contained FC Twente, Tottenham Hotspur and Werder Bremen, the vast majority still expected the Nerazzurri to cruise through to the knock-out stages. After collecting seven points from their first three games, that appeared the case, but they came unstuck near the end, losing two of the final three matches and also finished proceedings with an humiliating 3-0 defeat away in Germany to Werder Bremen, the Germans collecting the wooden spoon for finishing bottom of the group. The performances of Samuel Eto did, however, catch the eye with the Cameroon striker leading the way in the scoring charts with 7 goals. 

Group A

Position: 2nd
Win-Draw-Lose: 3-1-2 (Home: 3-0-0)
Goal Difference: 12-11 (Home: 9-3)
Top Scorer: Samuel Eto (7)

Results:

Match Day 1: FC Twente 2-2 Inter Milan
Match Day 2: Inter Milan 4-0 Werder Bremen
Match Day 3: Inter Milan 4-3 Tottenham Hotspur
Match Day 4: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Inter Milan
Match Day 5: Inter Milan 1-0 FC Twente
Match Day 6: Werder Bremen 3-0 Inter Milan

Bayern Munich

The Bavarians were mightily impressive en route to topping Group E above AS Roma, who inflicted the only defeat upon last season’s German champions as Bayern blew the rest of the pack away. Mario Gomez chipped in with 6 goals, Bayern in free-scoring form throughout racking up 16 goals in total as they comfortably qualified for the knock-outs with two games to spare even though their manager, Louis Van Gaal, couldn’t even name a seven substitutes in some matches due to so many injuries. So impressive stuff from Bayern Munich.

Group E

Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 5-0-1 (Away: 2-0-1)
Goal Difference: 16-6 (Away: 8-4)
Top Scorer: Mario Gomez (6)

Results:

Match Day 1: Bayern Munich 2-0 AS Roma
Match Day 2: FC Basel 1-2 Bayern Munich
Match Day 3: Bayern Munich 3-2 CFR Cluj
Match Day 4: CFR Cluj 0-4 Bayern Munich
Match Day 5: AS Roma 3-2 Bayern Munich
Match Day 6: Bayern Munich 3-0 FC Basel

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Pointers

Inter Milan

- The Nerazzurri won all three of their group games at home, to an aggregate score of 9-3.
- Inter haven’t lost a European match inside the San Siro since November 2008, going ten home games without defeat in Europe, winning the last seven in a run which includes victories over Barcelona and Chelsea.
- Are searching for their tenth consecutive home win in all competitions on Wednesday, losing just 2 of their previous 50 matches at home.
- Seven of Inter’s previous eight games at home have finished with at least 3 goals, with 40 goals scored in the same period of games (An average of just over 4 goals per game).
- Samuel Eto top-scored with 7 goals during the group phase, 5 of those coming at the San Siro.

Bayern Munich

- Lost just one of their last twelve games in all competitions; 10 wins, 1 draw & 1 loss.
- Beaten just once in their previous eight away matches in all competitions.
- The Bavarians have notched up 4 goals or more on six occasions away from home this season, with one of those coming in the group stage away in Romania against CFR Cluj (0-4).
- Bayern have kept just one clean sheet in their previous eight away games in Europe.
- Five of Mario Gomez’s 6 goals during the group phase were scored away from Munich.

Head-to-Head

- These two clubs have met on three occasions in the Champions League, with there nothing between them with one win apiece and one draw.
- However, Bayern have won the only previous encounter in Italy, winning 2-0 during the 2006/2007 campaign.
- Inter Milan won the most recent encounter, though, and also the most famous, Diego Milito scoring twice during the 2009/2010 Champions League final in which Inter were 2-0 victors.

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Match Prediction: Draw – 3.30 VictorChandler

I do really like the look of the visitors, a Bayern side with the potential to score any number of goals, with a manager who has promised to attack the Nerazzurri at the San Siro. However, Inter Milan’s record at home, whether it be domestically or in Europe, merits a great deal of respect, so we’re faced with a conumdrum.

Inter are unbeaten in their previous ten matches on home soil in the Champions League, but that imperious run will come under threat on Wednesday night as the free-scoring German champions come to town. Saying that, Inter have also been in a rich vein of form in front of goal, so it promises to be a thoroughly entertaining affair between two sides with a taste for goals.

The creative armoury of Bayern is a daunting prospect for the Inter defence, with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery bang-in-form and will cause the Milan full-backs all sorts of problems. And then we have Mario Gomez, Bayern’s leading goalscorer this season with 27 goals in all competitions, and if he’s a busy sort on Wednesday, then Inter have a serious problem as the German international doesn’t miss many. But Inter do have their own prolific forward, Samuel Eto having notched up the same amount of goals as Gomez and will be just as dangerous in front of goal, especially now that Inter are creating chances with far more consistency.

I’m afraid I will sit on the fence a little with this one, even though a draw is actually a fantastic shout. There isn’t a great deal between the two and that should tell in the final outcome. Should be a riveting affair nonetheless.

Match Odds:

Inter Milan – 2.30 SportingBet
Draw – 3.30 VictorChandler
Bayern Munich – 3.40 Bet365

Bayern Munich V AS Roma

Wednesday, 15th September – 19:45 GMT

UEFA Champions League: Group E

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich were within a whisker of claiming their second UEFA Champions League trophy last season when losing 2-0 in the final to Inter Milan, what would have been a milestone fifth triumph in Europe’s Premier Club competition, and will somehow need to leave any lingering memories of a disappointing night in Spain’s world famous Santiago Bernabeu stadium behind them if they’re to go close to achieving a similar feat in 2011 at England’s Wembley stadium.

The German champions, who were on the verge of landing a domestic and European treble last term, begin life in European once again against an Italian foe, only this time they take on one of Inter Milan’s fiercely competitive rivals in AS Roma. However, the Italian side were routed at the weekend and as a result will be low on confidence and not in the best mental shape to take on Bayern in their own backyard, which means anything less than a ferocious and celebratory start from the Bavarians will be deemed a disappointment.

Louis Van Gaal’s players clashed with Italian opponents on three separate occasions last term, having met Juventus in the group stage before knock-out encounters with Fiorentina and Inter Milan, while the Bavarians have lost just one of their previous seven encounters on home soil with Serie A opponents. So the omens are at least good for Bayern, even if their start to the new Bundesliga season hasn’t exactly been inspiring to say the least, with their 0-0 draw at home to Werder Bremen at the weekend leaving them in mid-table after collecting just four points from a possible nine. They have, though, been without their most destructive asset in Dutch winger Arjen Robben, who top scored for the Bavarians last season with 23 goals in all competitions, but that’s no excuse for their sluggish start to the campaign when you have the likes of Philipp Lahm, Bastien Schweinsteiger, Franck Ribery, Miroslav Klose, Thomas Muller and Ivica Olic on the books.

Bayern got off to a slow start in last term’s competition and almost paid a heavy price with early exit in the group, so they have some recent wake up calls which should force them to put in a decent shift on Wednesday night in order to avoid the need of last ditch efforts like last time, when on the final day of group fixtures Bayern needed to beat Juventus in Turin in order to progress, which they did in emphatic fashion with a 4-1 win.

AS Roma

Unlike their Match Day 1 opponents Bayern Munich, AS Roma don’t have any UEFA Champions League honours to boast about and don’t really look a side capable of ending their drought in 2010/2011, where the competition climaxes in London, England on May 28th. If anything, the club has only gone backwards over the years and their reputation around Europe has been tarnished by some disastrous displays, while we still can’t delete the memory of their 7-1 hammering at Old Trafford at the hands of Manchester United. Too few highlights combined with a handful of low points should be the catalyst for a big European effort this season, but Roma have flattered to deceive in recent campaigns and another substandard effort wouldn’t be a surprise in the slightest from Totti & Co.

Claudio Ranieri, formerly of Chelsea of course, has established himself as one of Serie A’s more accomplished coaches, having guided Roma to several promising finishes in the Serie A table. Last season they came within a win of breaking Inter Milan’s stranglehold of the title, the third time in four years that Roma had to settle for second place, but they’ve been a million miles off the pace in Europe, and still haven’t made the necessary recruitments to entitle them to a shot of the Champions League this season, with the temperamental Adriano their high profile capture of the summer – A player with talent but form comes at a premium. To be honest, their biggest signing of the summer was keeping combative midfielder Daniele De Rossi on board, with Real Madrid supposedly showing a keen interest in the Italian international during pre-season, while the familiar faces of Mirko Vucinic, Juan, John Arne Riise and Francesco Totti all remain Giallorossi property, for now.

With Claudio Ranieri’s powers of persuasion convincing all of Roma’s big names to remain at the club for at least another season, the Italian media was, and still is, expecting another strong domestic campaign from the team which finished three points shy of clinching their first Serie A title since 2000/2001, but they’ve made a disastrous start to domestic life, going from an embarrassing 0-0 draw at home to newly promoted Cesena to a humiliating 5-1 loss away at Cagliari. The spirit inside the Roma dressing room couldn’t be any lower right now, so a huge test of character awaits Ranieri’s players inside the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, where if they perform like they did away at Cagliari on Saturday night, they will surely be in for another humbling.

Its not as if the omens are good for Roma, who have lost eight of their last ten encounters on German soil. Even down at Europa League level, where they spent the entirety of last season before bowing out in the first knock-out round, Ranieri’s side only managed two wins away from home in six outings. Even though an out of sorts Bayern Munich awaits them in Munich in midweek, a huge collective effort is needed from Roma if they’re to leave Germany without any lasting scars.

Claudio Ranieri will, however, take a depleted side to Munich, Germany for his side’s Group E opener. Rodrigo Taddei is the former Chelsea managers’ latest injury woe, with Taddei joining Mirko Vucinic, Philippe Mexes, John Arne Riise and Paolo Casellini in the treatment room. However, Brazilian forward Adriano is set to make his Champions League debut for the club although faces a stiff task inside the Allianz Arena considering Roma’s many injury setbacks.

Match Prediction: Draw – 3.80 Bet365

While Roma’s start to the season has been poor, drastic probably more appropriate, Bayern haven’t exactly stormed out of the blocks. Neither of these two look particularly strong on paper as if they could mount a challenge for the crown, with Bayern slightly better but on par with Roma considering they’re without Arjen Robben until the new year.

With neither looking much kop in the early part of the season, the draw looks the only safe punt. I honestly couldn’t back either one of these teams with any great deal of confidence, not even Bayern, whom begin life back in the Champions League as runners-up and boast home advantage. If I was forced to have a bet, I’d be all over the draw like a rash.

Soccer-Betting Value Bet: Over 3.5 Goals – 3.00 WilliamHill

Match Odds:

Bayern Munich – 1.75 Totesport
Draw – 3.80 Bet365
AS Roma – 5.50 SkyBet

Bayern Munich V Inter Milan

Competition: UEFA Champions League – Final

Kick-off: Saturday, 22nd May – 19:45 (GMT)

Coverage: ITV1

The 2009-2010 UEFA Champions League final will be a momentous occasion for several reasons, the first being this years rendition of the greatest club competition in Europe having been scheduled for a Saturday night. No previous Champions League final, nor the old format of the competition, has ever been played on a Saturday night meaning the two teams involved, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, will set their name in stone by being the first teams ever to contest a Saturday night Champions League final, while the victorious party will claim sole rights to being the first to reign supreme on a Saturday.

Secondly, both these two teams are out to put the record straight, with Bayern Munich looking to secure their fifth European crown while Inter Milan are out to end a 45 year drought without winning Europe’s biggest club competition. There will also be this intriguing battle between two of the game’s brightest tacticians in Bayern’s Louis Van Gaal and Inter’s Jose Mourinho, of which both are on the verge of joining an illustrious few to win the competition with two different clubs.

What we also have here is two domestic champions, as well as two teams on the verge of completing an historic treble. Bayern Munich secured their twenty-second German league title, as well as winning the DFB-Pokal trophy last Saturday in comprehensive fashion. Inter, however, have been equally impressive winning the Coppa Italia last month before later clinching their fifth successive Seria A title on the final day of an exciting season, also on Saturday. Only two clubs previously have successfully completed the perfect treble and they were Manchester United and Barcelona. One of these two teams will write their name into the history books.

So, who will reign supreme in Spain? The German powerhouses led by the wise Louis van Gaal, or will it be Jose Mourinho‘s time to bask in the European glory for the second time in six years with the Italians?

Bayern Munich will look to join an elite list of clubs to have won Europe’s biggest club competition five times when they entertain Italian maestros Inter Milan at Real Madrid’s famous Santiago Bernabeu stadium. 2001 was the year when Bayern Munich last competed in a Champions League, with the Bavarians winning a nervy affair with Valencia via penalties. On a night where the pressure really will be on the Bayern players, the 40-odd thousand travelling Bavarians could well be in for another nervy night as the German champions seek out a fifth European crown.

The Road to Spain: It’s been an unconvincing Champions League campaign for Louis Van Gaal’s Bayern Munich, with their European fate almost sealed when clashing with Juventus in Turin needing only a win to save their Champions League life. That was the first of many ‘crunch’ games for the Germans, who had their poor and inconsistent showing through the group stage to thank for their ‘must win’ scenario in their final group outing. However, the irony is Juventus would become the first of two Italian sides Bayern would despatch along the way to their dream final where an Italian side would again need to be slayed in order to lifted the coveted trophy aloft for a fifth time.  The second came in the very next round when they met Fiorentina in the last-sixteen. After earlier winning the home leg 2-1, Bayern starred exit once again in the face when going 3-1 down in Florence before Dutch Wizard Arjen Robben popped up with a wonder-goal to save Bayern’s bacon. The latter would soon become a feature in Bayern’s progression through the knock-out stage, as Bayern seemingly met their match in Manchester United, winning the first leg 2-1 but trailing 3-0 in the second and decisive away leg before another stunning comeback, another wonder-goal from Arjen Robben. The semi-finals, however, went rather smoothly for a team which had previously strived to make progression as tough as possible; beating Lyon 3-0 in France after a 1-0 win in Germany.

If Bayern’s European adventure up till now has told us anything it is they like to do things the hard way, and if they follow the same philosophy on Saturday night, we’re sure to be in for another entertaining game of football involving the Munich giants. This season especially, even in their domestic campaign, Louis Van Gaal has focused more on Bayern’s attacking attributes, using the forward talent of Ivica Olic, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben to his and Bayern’s advantage. In many respects, although Van Gaal would never de-value the back four’s efforts, defending went out the window to some extent as Bayern have built a successful Champions League bid upon the basis of ‘we’ll score more than you’. Under Van Gaal Bayern aren’t a defence minded team, they play in one way and that’s in a ruthless, attacking manner, and even though Saturday’s clash with Inter is arguably the biggest game of a so far fruitful season, we expect nothing less than the same aggressive approach from the newly crowned German champions.

Franck Ribery’s suspension does, unfortunately, throw a spanner in the Bayern works as Van Gaal will need to make some crucial adjustments. What Bayern as a team lose in Ribery’s absence is some explosive play in the final, a player with no fear when entering into the final third of the pitch and one of those rarities in today’s game in that the French winger, despite a turbulent season, is more than capable of turning up and putting in one of those sublime displays worthy of winning a competition of this magnitude. Instead, it would appear as though Van Gaal will recruit Hamit Altintop as a make-shift left-midfielder. The Turkish midfielder has only been a bit-part player at the club since his move back in 2007 but he looks the only like-for-like replacement, if there is such a replacement for a player of Ribery’s calibre. Baring all this in mind, it’s fair to say that Bayern, on paper anyway, don’t look as formidable up front as they would with Ribery in the team. They will, of course, have the Dutch wizard of Arjen Robben done the right, a player which has single handily revived Bayern’s European dream on more than one occasion, but on the biggest stage of them all can Louis Van Gaal and Bayern Munich really rely upon another magical display from Robben to land them their fifth European title?

For Inter Milan, It will seem an eternity this wait for a Champions League trophy, and the 22nd May in sunny Spain could be the beautiful setting which sees Inter Milan finally end their 45 year wait for Europe’s biggest prize. The conductor behind Inter Milan’s change in European fortune, the Special One, of course. Jose Mourinho, like his opposite number, will have eyes only for his second Champions League winners medal when his well oiled and well drilled Milan side take on the aggressive Bayern Munich in a game which earlier in the season was being described as the ‘dream’ by Mourinho.

The Road to Spain: The ‘dream’ started with a tough draw at the very first hurdle, being drawn alongside reigning European champions Barcelona. A draw and a defeat to the Catalan wasn’t the best, nor did it silence the many Mourinho and Inter Milan critics, but Inter did just enough in a tight and exciting Group F to make the knock-out stage, where Mourinho’s former club Chelsea awaited Inter. Only a few gave Inter Milan much hope against the now English champions, but Mourinho masterminded the first of many several defeats when beating the Blues from England 2-1 at San Siro before etching out a hard-fought 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge. In the quarter-finals, though, was a Russian side thriving off their underdog status in CSKA Moscow. Inter, though, were defying the odds themselves after claiming the scalp of Chelsea in the last-sixteen stage, beginning to show the first signs that the Nerazzurri were finally a force to be reckoned with in Europe, and two 1-0 wins in both legs sent Jose Mourinho and Inter head first into a tantalising battle with Barcelona for the third and fourth time this season. It was a game plugged up as ‘Mourinho V Messi’, the tactician against the sublime Argentinian. Who won, who else, Jose Mourinho. Inter produced a scintillating display in the first leg to take a 3-1 victory over to Spain, where Mourinho later produced his second master-stroke of the competition, engineering Inter to the biggest aggregate victory for many a year, beating last years winners 3-2 on aggregate after a master-class from the Italians in defending.

Like Bayern Munich, who recently claimed a league and cup double, Inter Milan will arrive in Spain with two trophies, also the league and the Italian cup, and desperately seeking an historic treble. Jose Mourinho has never endeared himself to the Italian public nor has the Inter Milan fans taken to the bumptious Portuguese manager, but victory at the Bernabeu in arguably the clubs biggest ever fixture and Mourinho’s wavering reputation in Italy would be all but wiped clean, whilst entering into Inter Milan folklore. How has Mourinho pulled off such a feat? Through being a managerial genius. In every single knock-out game, Jose Mourinho has got his tactics spot on, while his players have implemented Mourinho’s game-plan to perfection. It’s been a prime example of how when a manager and a team work together in unison, great things can happen.

On Saturday, though, Mourinho and Inter Milan will get just one shot at glory. This fantastic pairing has produced the goods on every other occasions so far but can they deliver the final package when the pressure is well and truly on? Moreover, does anyone really know how Mourinho will set Inter Milan up? The Italian champs have proven that they are both capable of defending for prolonged periods of time and scoring goals in a clinical manner, but with the next 90 minutes being on neutral ground and no second chance legs to recover, will Jose Mourinho counter Bayern’s aggression with some forceful play of his own? That’s the beauty of Mourinho; no-one really knows what’s going round in his head. One thing is for sure, there hasn’t been an Inter side as good as the current crop, a more confident or self believing Inter Milan for quite some time… 45 years in fact. Will 2010 finally be their year?

Inter Milan To Lift The Trophy – 1.57 Boylesports

Considering Bayern Munich are a little over evens to lift the Champions League trophy for a fifth time, our pick of Inter Milan to end their lengthy drought with a European trophy may sound a tad illogical and bizarre. However, with Jose Mourinho’s tactical nous at the helm, it’s terribly difficult to look past the Italians finalising a dream run in the Champions League with a winning finish.

What Inter Milan have that Bayern Munich perhaps don’t is a man capable of masterminding any teams downfall, with Milan’s scalp of the current champions Barcelona the evidence to back up my statement. Mourinho is a tactical genius, arguably the greatest tactician currently in management, and add that into the mix of Inter Milan producing some of their best European displays for years and you’ve got a winning Champions League final formula. Or so we think.

We wouldn’t dare try to sum up how we think either side will set up and play on Saturday, as even we are somewhat in the dark. However, what we do have is two of the most successful teams in Europe right now, both desperate to cap an incredible season with the biggest cherry on the cake. Bayern have an array of forward talent, ready and waiting to explode, but their defence and midfield isn’t the strongest. Inter Milan, though, are a more complete package. So well organised at the back, at times impenetrable, a midfield led by a wise Esteban Cambiasso, capable of taking this final by the scruff of the neck, and an effective forward pairing of Samuel Eto and Diego Milito, the latter especially outstanding this season. The more we sit and think the more we edge towards Mourinho’s Inter.

Match Odds:

Bayern Munich – 3.40 VCbet
Draw – 3.30 bWin
Inter Milan -2.35 Interwetten

Method of Victory:

Bayern Munich on Penalties – 11.00 SportingBet
Inter Milan on Penalties – 11.00 SportingBet

UEFA Champions League: Semi-Final, Second Leg

Lyon V Bayern Munich

Tuesday, 27^th April – 19:45 (GMT)

Stade de Gerland, France

TV Coverage: Sky Sports 2

First Leg: Bayern Munich 1-0 Lyon

Whenever you see Lyon involved in a two-legged tie you generally expect two tight encounters, so the first leg score of 1-0 to the Germans won’t have surprised too many. However, Bayern Munich could and perhaps should have had a far bigger margin of victory as they fluffed chance after chance at the Allianz Arena, and with the tie now evenly poised heading over to France in Lyon territory, will the German side rue those missed chances as they bid to make their first Champions League final in nearly a decade.

Lyon, however, are aiming to make their first Champions League final and will fancy their chances after restricting Bayern to just the one goal in the first leg, what was the away leg for the French side. Lyon manager Claude Puel will need to mastermind Bayern Munich’s downfall without Toulalan while Bayern will be without Franck Ribery after both were dismissed in the first leg for two different offences. The only goal of the came though came via Arjen Robben’s gifted left boot when his long range effort dipped, served and deceived Hugo Lloris in the Lyon goal to finally give Bayern the advantage they craved. That was as good as it got for Bayern Munich, and for the viewing public as the first leg wasn’t a game to write home about.

The main reason as to why the first leg wasn’t as entertaining as one might have hoped was Lyon’s organised and disciplined defending. It was clear Claud Puel didn’t want to concede at the Allianz Arena in a bid to make the work in the return leg much easier. However, Robben’s goal for Bayern Munich means Lyon have to come out of the shell in the second and deciding leg and that should make for an entertaining second leg affair. The one goal lead for the German side had led to bookmakers installing Bayern Munich as the overwhelming favourites to make the final as Bayern are a best priced 1.36 with BetFred to knock the French challengers out at the semi-final stage, whereas Lyon’s progression would be a shock according to the bookies as they’re a tasty 3.75 with PaddyPower to progress at Bayern’s Expense.

Lyon

Outright Odds: 13.00 WilliamHill

Lyon will look towards their formidable home record at Stade de Gerland for inspiration as they aim to dump their German visitors Bayern Munich out of the competition, and, in the process, make their first Champions League final appearance ever. The French Powerhouse, whom have recently relinquished their stranglehold over Ligue 1, haven’t lost a home game in Europe all season with only Liverpool halting an express of winning results for Claude Puel’s team. Puel has guided Lyon to three successive victories at Stade de Gerland in Europe and will need to make it four in a row if he and Lyon are to make the final in Spain come May.

Lyon really have been a force to be reckoned with at home in Europa as they boast the most intimidating home record of all four teams still standing. Liverpool remain the only side not have lost at Stade de Gerland in Europe this season while the same team, Liverpool, and Lyon’s bitter Franch rivals Bordeaux are the only two sides to have even scored away at Lyon in five Champions League proper home matches. So, we will state the obvious by saying Lyon’s successful Champions League has been built upon some solid defensive foundations with their young French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, aged just 23, having conceded just two goals at home and boasting three clean sheets. However, Claude Puel does have a defensive crisis on his hands, as the likes of Boumsong and Cris are doubtful, although the latter should feature, but Toulalan’s suspension doesn’t help their cause whatsoever.

Hopefully, at least from a Lyon perspective, the focus won’t be on Lyon’s defence but rather their strike force as Lyon need to win this second leg which means they require a few goals on the night. Puel certainly has the striking prowess up front to call upon in Lisando Lopez, a definite starter for Lyon, Michael Bastos, Miralem Pjanic and the pace of Gomis off the bench. Puel will demand a similar vein of attacking vigour from that of their 3-1 success against Bordeaux in the last round. However, with the exception of Bordeaux, only lowly Debrecen of Hungary has conceded more than one goal at Stade de Gerland, so for all Lyon’s defensive pedigree they lack a lot of cutting edge and guile in the final third if their poor scoring form is anything to go by.

We’ve had the pleasure, if pleasure’s the right word of watching several of Lyon’s European encounters at Stade de Gerland this season and haven’t been overly impressed with them if truth be told. They are, however, admirable in how they go about their way in that they use their valuable defensive asset to good affect. They defend resolutely, they’re extremely well organised and usually well disciplined. They approach their European games in the mindset of one goal could be enough to clinch it and it has generally worked for them. However, with Bayern Munich holding all the aces after their 1-0 win in the first leg, Lyon know they need to score twice to stand any chance of making the final so may have to abandon there all out defensive attitude.

Note of caution: Six players are a yellow card away from missing the final in Spain; Aly Cissokho, Cesar Delgado, Maxime Gonalons, Kim Kallstrom, Cris and Miralem Pjanic.

Bayern Munich

Outright Odds: 3.50 SkyBet

It’s been nine years since Bayern ‘s last final appearance in Europe’s Premier club competition, and after Arjen Robben’s delicious strike in the first leg at the Allianz Arena, Louis Van Gaal has took the German league leaders to the periphery of an eighth final where the chance of making the enviable milestone of 5 European Champions Club trophies – the previous name of the competition – while it would be their second Champions League title, their first since 2001.

All that stands in Bayern’s way is the French resistance in the form of Claude Puel’s Lyon. They’re a resilient bunch, a team which has dashed the hopes of two of the competitions most prestigious teams in Liverpool and Real Madrid. Bayern Munich are now the most coveted team left in the competition as their 4 titles eclipses that of Barcelona’s 3, but Lyon have had a thirst for those boasting European silverware, and it’s now the job of Louis Van Gaal to ensure Bayern Munich don’t fall foul to a similar fate and become Lyon’s third major victim of the tournament.

Bayern Munich do have their fate, destiny if you like, in their own hands as their first leg victory by a scoreline of 1-0 leaves the Germans in the driving seat. They must, however, overcome Lyon’s home advantage first before they can begin plans for the final in Spain. Stade de Gerland is the venue and it’s a stadium which has served their last-four opponents well as Lyon are on the verge of retaining their unbeaten home status should they avoid defeat to Bayern on Tuesday. The Bavarians, though, will care little about Lyon’s formidable home record and will seek out that elusive away goal, one which would see Bayern Munich put one foot in the final should they score the second leg’s first goal. We have no doubts Louis Van Gaal will set his team up to attack from the off in a bid to land the first blow, and with Lyon looking to open up a little more in search of their first goal of the tie, the likes of Arjen Robben, Bastien Scweinstager and Ivica Olic can stretch their legs a bit more thus becoming more of a forward threat than in the first leg due to their being more room for manoeuvre, more space and time on the ball to strut their stuff.

We’re predicting an attacking formation from Van Gaal as we think he would be foolish trying to defend Bayern’s narrow 1-0 advantage. An away goal in France and it would leave their rivals, Lyon, need to score three and that will take some doing considering Bayern, what with Lyon then having no alternative but to go all out in a bid to grab the three goals, would be a serious threat against a more exposed Lyon defence, one which will be without a few key personnel. We honestly think this tie is made for Bayern, although they will need to approach this second leg in a professional manner as breaking down an organised Lyon defence is no mean feat.

Notable Absentee’s: Franck Ribery and Daniel Pjanic, although the defensive pairing of Martin Demichelis and Daniel Van Buyten could be split up as both are worrying doubts ahead of the second leg.

Match Verdict: Bayern Munich to WIN – 2.90 PaddyPower

I’ve gone a bit mad with my prediction here as I nail my colours to the Bayern mast. Lyon, with home advantage, will of course be more of a threat in an attacking sense than they were in the first leg where they simply defended for the entirety of the leg, but that alone will lead to more space for the Germans and they have the players to exploit the gaps. It may sound a bit stupid but we reckon Bayern Munich will over power the former French powerhouse. They will travel to France feeling good about their one goal advantage and will be a threat going forward throughout, while everyone knows Arjen Robben’s match winning ability, and with Franck Ribery suspended, the spotlight is likely to shine on the silky Dutchman once again.

All it takes is one goal from Bayern and Lyon will really be rocking. The German side, the league leaders back home, have scored twice in their two previous knock-out encounters proving not only that they have the class to score away from home in Europe but that they also know how to ride their luck. Louis Van Gaal and his Bayern Munich team have starred exit slap bang in the face on three separate occasions and have come up with some big goals when it really matters. Arjen Robben has been their saviour in their two knock-out encounters so another world-class strike from one of Holland’s finest wouldn’t be a complete surprise.

Match Odds

Lyon – 2.50 SkyBet

Draw – 3.40 Boylesports

Bayern Munich – 2.90 PaddyPower

Our Value Punt: Arjen Robben LGS – 7.00 Ladbrokes

Champions League 2009/2010: Semi-Final, First Leg

Bayern Munich V Lyon

Wednesday, 21st April – 19:45 (GMT)

Allianz Arena, Germany

LIVE on ITV1

Bayern Munich

Outright Odds: 5.50 SportingBet

As German side Bayern Munich close in on their first major European final since 2001 when they last lifted the trophy, they will first have to overcome a tricky French opponent in Lyon while also fending off the bad charms from this being their 13^th semi-final in Europe’s elite club competition. The omens are good however, as the team they beat in the previous round, Manchester United, was the same side they beat at the very same stage – Quarter-Finals – back in 2001 in a winning Champions League year for the Germans. Can they relive the 2001 dream after a nearly a decade of heartache and disappointment.

If the Bayern players were feeling a touch of the nerves before this tense semi-final encounter, by far and away their biggest fixture of the season thus far, they certainly aren’t showing it after their prep match was despatched in emphatic fashion. The Munich based club are currently fixed in a heated battle for their 21^st league title which means Louis Van Gaal simply cannot afford to rest players from now until the end of the season whatever the competition. However, his team were showing little sign of fatigue as they swept Hannover 96 to one side on Saturday in a sensational 7-0 romp at the Allianz Arena just days before they meet with Lyon at the very same venue. How’z that for preparation?

Bayern were in a free-scoring type of mood at the weekend as seven were put past Hannover 96 in a game which will have undoubtedly lifted both the confidence of the Munich camp and the expectation levels of the fans. This Bayern side has always had the potential to score bags of goals and yet the tie with Lyon has left many doubting Bayern’s capabilities of scoring past what will be a stern, reliant and resilient Lyon defence on Wednesday night. Their doubters will be cowering in the corner after that emphatic display from the German frontrunners as the likes of Olic, Ribery and Robben, with the latter having scored a hat-trick in Saturday’s 7-0 romp, now have a keen eye for goal. However, Bayern have yet to surpass even two goals in a home game in Europe this season so there are still some questions waiting, or should we say ‘need’ answering before we even begin to get audacious and etch Bayern’s name into the final set up.

The grey area with Bayern Munich has been their poor form on the road in this seasons Champions League and their tendency to have to rely upon their big names, more notably Arjen Robeen, to get them out of trouble. The German side have lost on three separate occasions away from home in Europe this season, two of those coming in the knock-out stages in defeats at Fiorentina, Italy, (3-2) and Manchester United, England, (3-2). A pattern is beginning to form however in that Bayern seemingly end up losing their away encounters, which has just so happened to be their second leg on each occasion, but still qualify by virtue of a first leg win in Germany. With their tendency to lose the second leg, the away leg, the pressure will mount on Bayern Munich attaining at least a victory on Wednesday night, preferably a margin big enough to avoid any familiar scares in the second, away leg.

Lyon

Outright Odds: 9.00 bWin

Lyon’s opponents in this last-four tie maybe entering into their 13^th semi-final but this is just the French clubs first ever appearance in a Champions Leagues semi-final and it will be unfamiliar terrain for Claude Puel, his players and the club itself. Don’t naturally expect the French side to be over roared by the occasion however, as Lyon have been in many daunting matches along this fruitful campaign of theirs and will be supremely confident that they can do more than just hold their own against the more experienced Germans.

If this tie were to be settled on experience and European pedigree alone then sure, Lyon would leave empty handed. Fortunately that isn’t how the two teams will be judged but instead on a whoever scores more basis. In fairness, we have two stingy sides in terms of defences so it could be a close tie to call. Should this be the case then you would have to fancy Lyon’s chances as they are somewhat the master of doing just enou8gh and scraping through two-legged ties by a single goal. They’ve done this in their previous two knock-out encounters beating Real Madrid 2-1 and Bordeaux 3-2. The bad news is Lyon don’t score an awful lot away from home in Europe so they’ll need to double their defensive efforts in order to keep what has been a ruthless Bayern offence at arms length.

Lyon’s prep match ahead of this crunch last-four encounter was against a team they beat in the quarter’s, Bordeaux, the reigning French champions and a side touted as the Champions League’s dark horses for this seasons trophy. Lyon piled more woes on the defending French champions by drawing 2-2 at Bordeaux. Puel fielded a strong team for that clash in a bid to close the gap on Marseille at the top of Ligue 1, with only Lisandro Lopez rested, although he was used as a second half sub. That encounter was on Saturday, a good five days ago, so there should be no excuses over tired legs, although Lyon did have to work extremely hard just for their point as twice they came from a goal behind to level, and it’s that sort of adversity and courage Puel will demand from his entire squad as he takes them to the German capital where the German league leaders await them.

Lyon have been the Real Madrid’s famous Bernabeu stadium and avoided defeat earlier in the competition, knocking the Spanish side out at the last-sixteen stage. So a visit to the Allianz Arena shouldn’t be a daunting prospect in reality. However, the slight niggle of concern, or big one we should say, is in Lyon’s previous knock-out victories they played the first leg at home. That’s crucial especially for a team like Lyon who use tactics to get through overwhelming ties. It means Lyon cannot reply upon taking a narrow advantage from the home leg into the reverse leg away in Germany. They will instead be in a completely different mindset, aware of the fact that a big defeat in Germany could cost them any chance of a place in the final and leave them with too much to do back at home.

Claude Puel will of course set Lyon up in their familiar solid manner, putting 10 men behind the ball in an organised and efficient manner. However, the players will still be in an unfamiliar scenario in that they don’t know for sure what result would be deemed satisfactory. We reckon they’ll settle for a 0-0 but it’s hard to see Bayern not scoring at least one on the night so, at some point Lyon will need to come out of their shell you feel in order to grab a pivotal away goal.

Champions League Statistics:

Bayern Munich

Overall Record: 5-1-4

Home Record: 3-1-1

Offensive Record at Home: 5

Defensive Record at Home: 4

Current form: WWLWL

Lyon

Overall Record: 6-2-2

Away Record: 2-1-2

Away Offensive Record: 7

Away Defensive Record: 4

Current form: WWDWL

Stand out Statistics:

Bayern Munich have won three consecutive games at the Allianz Arena in the Champions League, beating Maccabi Haifa 1-0, Fiorentina 2-1 and Manchester United 2-1.

Bayern Munich have won both their home ties in the knock-out stage of the competition by a 2-1 scoreline.

Arjen Robben has scored the tie winning goal in both of Munich’s knock-out encounters of which both were in 3-2 defeats away from home.

Lyon haven’t won away from home in the Champions League since their memorable victory at Anfield, Liverpool, four away matches ago. That was also the only occasion where Lyon had scored on more than one occasions in an away Champions League proper fixture.

Lyon have conceded EXACTLY 1 goal in four of their five away encounters in this seasons Champions League, with Liverpool, Fiorentina, Real Madrid and Bordeaux all scoring one goal against them.

Four of Lyon’s five away games have finished Under 2.5 Goals (Less than 3 Goals).

Match Verdict: Bayern Munich to WIN – 1.80 WilliamHill

Lyon undoubtedly have the necessary inventory to frustrate Bayern for long periods of time. The fact that the German side like to retain possession for long periods of time, in a patient manner, will also play in Lyon’s hands. However, Bayern’s success against Manchester United in the last round was amply backed up by a resounding 7-0 win at the weekend. The Bayern team will be in high spirit and will be hungry for more goals. Moreover, Louis Van Gaal will know full well that Lyon will set out to frustrate his team with a defensive attitude, and with that, Van Gaal will likely opt for a very Offensive attitude.

Bayern Munich have to win this first leg as getting a result over in France will be tough. They are playing a side who know how to capitalize and build upon a first leg advantage, and while an away win does look out of the question, even a draw would play into Lyon’s hand heading into the deciding second leg a week later. We reckon Louis Van Gaal will spare nothing in a bid to not only win this first leg but to win in a comprehensive fashion. We expect an attacking formation, an attacking line-up and a quick start ti proceedings. They must put this organised Lyon defence on the back foot and under pressure right from the off. If they let the French side settle, Bayern will be in for a long game.

We reckon Bayern will get their first leg lead, although we’re unsure as to whether they’ll take a big margin of victory over to France. They’ll need an early goal in order to entice Lyon out of their own third. If they score early on, Bayern will have a golden opportunity to stamp their authority in this first leg with a big win.

Match Odds

Bayern Munich – 1.80 WilliamHill

Draw – 3.70 bWin

Lyon – 5.00 Bet365

UEFA Champions League: Quarter-Finals, Second Leg

Manchester United V Bayern Munich

Wednesday, 7^th April – 19:45 GMT

TV Coverage: ITV1

First Leg: Bayern Munich 2-1 Manchester United

As Manchester United set out to end their baron run of seven successive failures to overhaul a German opponent over two legs, the Red Devils got off to the worst possible start as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. It was the English side though, Man Utd, who struck first with barely a minute on the clock when Wayne Rooney – who else – volleyed home from just two yards out to send the away side sprinting into a 1-0 aggregate lead. More importantly, Alex Ferguson could breathe a little easier as he know he already had a vital away goal to take home with him, although he wanted a lot more. He didn’t get what he wished for however as Franck Ribery’s deflected free-kick found the back of Van Der Sar’s net via the heel of Wayne Rooney.

With United being pushed further back as the game began to die away, Bayern pressed for a winner, although clear chances were few and far between. Just as the game appeared to be dwindling out into a 1-1 draw, some sloppy defending from Patrice Evra of Manchester United gave Ivica Olic the opportunity to strike the last blow, and he did so with aplomb. The first leg did eventually finish 2-1 as Olic’s strike was virtually the last kick of the game. However, while the talking point should have been about Olic’s last gasp winner, it was instead about Rooney’s sprain ankle. An injury which will keep the England international sidelined for the second leg and a further two more weeks as well.

United were overwhelming favourites before the 2-1 defeat in Germany, but that victory for Bayern has seen their price cut right down to size, with Louis Van Gaal’s team now adjudged to have almost a 50/50 chance of making the Semi-Finals with Bayern Munich now a best priced 2.05 with totesportto sail through to the Semi’s. United, however, without Wayen Rooney spearheading their attack, are still being widely tipped by the bookies to make the next round of the competition and the best price we could find on them was 2.00 with Coral.

Manchester United

Outright Odds: 9/2 PaddyPower

To Qualify: 2.00 Coral 

Ivica Olic’s last minute winner at the Allianz Arena was a kick in the teeth for Alex Ferguson and his Manchester United camp, but there is plenty of room for optimism as they head back to England where Old Trafford, a venue they comprehensively beat AC Milan 4-0 at in the last round, will hopefully become the setting to another memorable European night for the Red Devils of Manchester. The Reds’ have never beaten Bayern Munich over two legs in Europe, and as they trail 2-1 from the first leg they know they have it all to do back home. But it’s possible, and their quote of 1.70 with SportingBetgives us the impression that the majority of bookmakers are of the same opinion, and that home advantage could tell in this deciding second leg. 

As previously stated though, there is still a lot of work to be done. The plus point from the first leg was their away goal. The negative, however, was that their scorer of their goal in Germany will miss this game, as well as several other important fixtures, as Rooney recovers from a sprained ankle suffered in the dying minutes of that 2-1 defeat in Germany. He’s United’s top goalscorer this season with 34 goals scored in all competitions, while he had previously scored in each of United’s previous three knock-out matches even managing three against AC Milan over the two legs.  

So we’ve established Wayne Rooney will be a big loss, but what was more damaging was their weekend defeat to Chelsea. The Champions League isn’t the only trophy Alex Ferguson and Manchester United have on the radar as the Premiership title is firmly within sight. However, the Premier League crown did distance itself from Old Trafford after their 2-1 defeat at home to the now league leaders Chelsea. It was a bitter blow as it meant United relinquished their grasp of top spot, while it also highlighted a huge flaw in that United have no answer to Rooney’s absence. We expected Ferguson’s charges to put in a far better display on Saturday than the one we were treated to. They were uncharacteristically sluggish and sloppy all over the pitch, giving the ball away on countless occasions while their Midfielder’s barely got a foothold in the game. Moreover, Dimitar Berbatov was useless up front on his own. It was a scary sight as you don’t normally see Manchester United strapped for ideas, or lacking in creative flair, but with Berbatov up front by himself United had little to offer from an attacking sense. So much so that they didn’t create anything of note, while their goal came from the arm of Macheda after a pinball like Chelsea penalty area. 

Alex Ferguson opted for five in midfield on Saturday in a bid to contain a predatory like Chelsea. On Wednesday, however, it’s United who should be feeling the pinch as they have no option but to go in search of goals in order to bridge the 2-1 deficit. Fergie will need to abandon his cautious approach but doesn’t necessarily have the players at his disposal to do so. His only striking option is that of Dimitar Berbatov, which won’t fill fans with optimism as he just doesn’t given anyone much of an option, while his lack of enthusiasm while on the pitch is very frustrating for the supporters. They do have two pacey wingers in Nani and Valencia though, while Ryan Giggs’ experience can be relied upon on the big stage, all of which can beat their markers and deliver a decent ball, but whichever lines up on the left could have their work cut out against an accomplished right-back in Lahm, while all three were involved over the weekend and neither exactly boosted their claims for a starting role on Wednesday.

We have no qualms over the United defence, one which, despite conceding a couple in their last few home outings, has been resolute and reliable for the most part at home this season. Our concerns are in midfield, and whether Alex Ferguson has the necessary inventory to dominate the middle of the park. They were clearly the losers on Saturday as Chelsea bossed the midfield, and that’s not good to hear when the likes of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben are in the oppositions team sheet. Fergie will need to somehow quell Bayern’s biggest threats which are their pacey wingers, while he will need to give one hell-of-a inspirational team talk to Nani and Valencia after their dismal showings at the weekend. The two mentioned have the potential to land United the spoils at Old Trafford and without a big display from both, United will struggle to overpower their German rivals.

Positives:  

A rampant home crowd at Old Trafford. 

Two agile, skilful and fast wingers in Nani and Valencia. 

Two of the worlds best defenders in Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, backed up by a reliable Edwin Van Der Sar. 

Negatives: 

Limited forward options, with Dimitar Berbatov the only stand out in the United squad. 

A Midfield lacking in confidence, ideas and creativity at present.  

An unconvincing right-back in Gary Neville. He was awful on Saturday and will get torn to shreds against Franck Ribery. 

Very few impact players on the bench.

Bayern Munich

Outright Odds: 10/1 Bodog

To Qualify: 2.05 totesport

With Bayern Munich back on top of the German Bundesliga after their 2-1 win at FC Schalke on Saturday, the German giants will once again be dreaming of European domination after putting one foot in the semi-finals after their 2-1 victory at the Allianz Arena in Germany. The task now, though, is to travel over to England and defend their narrow aggregate lead against a Manchester United side who not only dispatched of AC Milan in the last round in a comprehensive fashion, but also thrashed the Italians, the 2007 Champions, 4-0 at Old Trafford. A result which will have reverberated around Europe no doubt.

Bayern, though, will be supremely confident after their exploits in Schalke on Saturday. Schalke may not quite be a household name back home but they were, and still are, a force to be reckoned with back in Germany, and Bayern’s 2-1 defeat of them sent the Munich side back to the top of the table as a direct result. It was the best possible outcome for Louis Van Gaal as it ended the clubs run of two successive league defeats and instead put Bayern Munich top of the pile.The Belgium manager will now take a group of buoyant and extremely confident players over to England where he’ll now try to mastermind a victory over arguably the worlds greatest ever manager in Sir Alex Ferguson. 

Bayern’s away form though in the competition will be a concern of Van Gaal after two wins and two defeats on the road thus far. However, it’s certainly worth pointing out that Bayern have scored in each of their four away encounters in Europe this season, scoring ten in all; two of those coming in the last round in Florence against Fiorentina. The Germans did look down and out in that last-sixteen tie at one stage before an Arjen Robben wonder strike booked their place in the next round. That’s the danger with Bayern Munich; they have players which can create a goal from absolutely nothing, those which have the ability toturn any game completely on it’s head. The two stand-outs of course are Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery as they make things happen. Both of whom will cause United all sorts of problems down the wings, while the pair do like to cut in and have a pop at goal, often to great affect.

Louis Van Gaal got his squad fired up at the weekend for their top of the table clash with FC Schalke, and he reaped the rewards in a 2-1 victory. The players putting in a battling display and played remarkably well as a team, as a unit, and their exuberant celebrations were a clear message that they’re hungry for glory this season, and that they’re desperate for some silverware. However, the players went out knowing they had to win at the Veltins Arena at the weekend but won’t have that same expectant pressure upon their shoulders at Old Trafford as they can rest assured in the knowledge that their 2-1 aggregate means it’s United who need to ask the questions.

Bayern took a narrow advantage to Fiorentina in the last round. They tried to sit back and absorb some early pressure but some costly mistakes led to Bayern having to come out of their shells. When they did though, the Germans looked dangerous, although they were also caught napping on more than one occasion at the back. We aren’t entirely convinced Van Gaal has players of genuine quality at the back needed to repel a team with so much European pedigree like Manchester United for the full 90 minutes, while there will be common reservations about Bayern’s ability to chase games. When they need a result on the road they tend to go out in an ‘all-guns-blazing’ attitude. They cause the opposition plenty of problems with their attacking numbers but they also leave themselves exposed at the back. Van Gaal needs to somehow get the right mixture of attack and defence in order for Bayern Munich to claim a big scalp along the way to a semi-final showdown with Lyon or Bordeaux.

Match Verdict: Draw – 3.80 bWin

We feel Bayern will prove a step too far for Manchester United even though they now boast home advantage. This Bayern defence isn’t the strongest and should be breached at least once in fairness, but United really didn’t look at all up to scratch on Saturday and their 2-1 defeat, what was a bitter defeat at the hands of Chelsea, could send them spiralling into a terrible run of results if they’re not careful. With United aiming to press and ask questions of what we feel is a fairly weak Bayern back four, and Bayern themselves looking to as their own questions on the counter, this could be a to-and-throe game which could go either way. However, with the momentum now with the Germans, we’re opting for Bayern Munich in a score draw. We’re envisaging a nervy last 15 minutes or so where United have the lead but a late strike from either Arjen Robben or Franck Ribery sends the United fans into despair.

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 1.70 SportingBet

Draw – 3.80 bWin

Bayern Munich – 5.30 Bet365

UEFA Champions League: Quarter-Finals, First Leg.

Bayern Munich V Manchester United

Tuesday, 30^th March – 19:45 GMT (Sky Sports)

Venue: Allianza Arena

Bayern Munich

Champions League Outright Odds: 12/1 Ladbrokes

To Qualify: 2.88 Coral

Louis Van Gaal is just two games away from guiding Bayern Munich into their first Champions League final for nearly a decade, although they’ll have to see off a team that inflicted one of their most painful Champions League defeats in England’s Manchester United just to do so. I’m sure everyone remembers, although Munich fans won’t be too keen to relive, that memorable Champions League final in 1999 where Bayern led 1-0 up till the 89^th minute only to lose the final within a bizarre last few minutes which seen United win 2-1. While that bitter final loss did come nearly a decade ago, the press in Germany keep bringing that disastrous occasion back to light in a bid to inspire the Munchen team to a vengeful victory. So will their dastardly plan work and will Bayern bring back the glory days of old with what would be considered a stunning aggregate victory should they get past the current English champions.

Back in the day when Bayern were consistently challenging for European honours; a losing finalist in 1999 and then a subsequent winner in 2001, Munich were one of Europe’s powerhouses, feared throughout the land. Nobody enjoyed played the Germans while they all dreaded getting them in the draw. Now, however, that’s not the case and after a few largely disappointing years it has resulted in Bayern Munich losing a fair chunk of their intimidating reputation and are now considered an ‘easier’ opposition. They will set out to mock those narrow minded, but probably completely correct, individuals on Tuesday night at the Allianz Arena but their form both in the German Bundesliga and in the Champions League has hardly been formidable so they’ll do well to change people’s opinions you would feel.

It would be stating the obvious to say previou and recents form is often paramount when heading into decisive and crunch encounters, so to hear that Bayern Munich have lost back-to-back games in Germany isn’t the best of news, nor does it inspire confidence into those neutrals desperately wanting to see the Red Devils of Manchester kncked off their high perch. As Van Gaal rested his two most prized possessions in Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben at the weekend, Bayern were struggling at home against former Champions League side VFB Stuttgart at the famous Allianz Arena. Without the pace and guile of their influential wingers, Bayern struggled severely for chances and were made to pay with defeat. Their second on the trot whilst in league action. The scary thing was, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben were both introduced in the second half but neither made a real impact on the game, so not only are the team as a whole sapped of momentum but so are their two best players.

The German side at least have a formidable record against Man Utd to be positive about, with Bayern losing just one of the previous seven competitive meetings with last seasons losing finalists. However, these two haven’t met for quite some time, not since 2001 in fact when Bayern Munich beat United at this very same stage winning 3-1 on aggregate along the way to winning the tournament outright. A lot has changed since then however, with Bayern’s fortunes having rapidly declined whilst United’s have continuously rocketed. Bayern do at least have an intimidating arena to fall back on, although their fans can be hostile when things aren’t going Bayern’s way so the pressure will really be on Bayern to gain a valuable first leg victory and leave the tie firmly poised.

Key Players:- Franck Ribery & Arjen Robben

Those of you who don’t regularly watch the German Bundesliga might think that with all the regular goals German sides are an aggressive bunch. However, while that might be the case for some it’s definitely for not Bayern Munich who instead use patient build ups to get the job done back home. They prefer to retain possession for as long as possible, until a gap appears and it’s not until either Franck Ribery or Arjen Robben get on the ball until Bayern really show signs of any life. Without their skilful flanking duo, Bayern wouldn’t even be a force against the bigger and better teams around Europe. However, the pair do bring some different to the forte, that surprise package feel where within the blink of an eye something special can happen. Both have the ability to dazzle us with some mazy runs while the pair also know how to unleash a rocket or two. These two will need to be keenly watched in both legs, especially in those situations where the game appears to be dwindling into nothing and then bang, on of them pops up with something extraordinary. It was Robben who did so in the previous round with his 30 yard thunderbolt in Florence against Fiorentina, so is it now Ribery’s turn to take the limelight?

Manchester United

Champions League Outright Odds: 7/2 bWin

To Qualify: 1.50 SkyBet

Sir Alex Ferguson will meet an old foe in Bayern Munich, although he’ll be the one with the happier memories despite losing the previous encounter with the German side. It was Ferguson, who else, that masterminded that memorable victory in Barcelona which handed United the Champions League title back in 1999. That one night in Barcelona will rate right up their in terms of personal highlights for the United manager, although he’ll put all those sentimental memories to one side as he prepares to plot Bayern’s downfall once again only this time he has the better team.

While their last-sixteen opponents scraped through their respective group, United never really broke sweat getting through theirs, while they bamboozled a former Champions League champion in AC Milan in the previous round, smashing the former six-time European champions 7-2 on aggregate. That’s one former European great down, just one more to go and then a Semi-Final beckons, what would be their fourth successive semi appearance. Their scintillating displays against AC Milan both in Italy and England would suggest last years beaten finalists are well on course for yet another semi-final.

While United no longer boast an unbeaten record in the competition after defeat to CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford in the groups, they have yet to taste defeat outside of England and won’t want to start now in Germany. In fact, their record on the road in this seasons competition is immaculate, winning four from four and scoring ten goals in the process. Moreover, three has been a popular number for them, with United scoring exactly three goals in their previous two away encounters, putting three past AC Milan and Wolfsburg, a fellow German side. United tore Wolfsburg, who are the reigning German champions, to pieces in Germany on a night when Alex Ferguson rested his key players. He was at it again at the weekend as Wayne Rooney, touted as one of the best players in the world on current form, right up there with Lionel Messi, sat out United’s 4-0 romp at Bolton as the Red Devils continued their relentless pursuit of a fourth successive league title, what would be a record 19^th.

Unlike Bayern Munich, Manchester United have tonnes of form behind them and back it up with quality. The Red Devils haven’t lost a competitive game in just over a month, while victory in Germany on Tuesday would extend their winning run in all competitions to eight following five straight wins in the Premier League and two comprehensive victories home and away to AC Milan. They’ve gone momentum in abundance, players with a winning mentality and a player on top of his game in Wayne Rooney, whom will take his tally to 33 for the season should he score at the Allianz Arena. Rooney has four Champions League goals to his name this season, while he score both home and away against AC Milan, even slamming home two headers at the San Siro, so he’ll definitely be one to keep an eye on.

Wayne Rooney did miss United’s 4-0 rout of Bolton with injury mind, although assistant manager Mick Phelan admitted Rooney should feature from the off for United in Germany. It would seem Rooney’s absence was just a precaution and that Bayern will be up against a fresher Rooney on Tuesday night. Should he not feature, don’t let it deter you from a Man Utd punt too much as they’ve proven down the years to cope stoutly even without their more influential figures.

Key Player:- Edwin Van Der Sar

While Wayne Rooney will likely steal the show for United up front, Van Der Sar between the sticks will need to be at his alert best to keep Bayern’s troublesome duo at bay for the entirety of the first leg. A clean sheet in Germany would set United up perfectly heading back to Manchester, while if they could just sneak an away goal it would leave them all but there in those semi’s. However, for that to happen they will need their 6ft 5in goalkeeper to put in one of his famous shot-stopping displays in the Allianz Arena. He’s had his injuries this season but has been a marvel since returning, while he was pulling out all the stops to deny Bolton a sniff at goal last weekend. The former Dutch international might be edging towards the 40 marker but he’s still got tonne of agility and elasticity, while his shot-stopping ability is still second to none. He will be a difficult obstacle in the United goal mouth on Tuesday night and should United leave Germany with a clean sheet then chances are Van Der Sar will have put in a huge shift. He’s only conceded just one goal in 540 minutes of competitive action and even that took a Torres strike to ruin his shut-out run.

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN - 2.70 Bet365

The only scenario where we can see Bayern taking anything from this first leg is if Wayne Rooney miss the trip to Germany, whether that be through injury or just misses the plane – The Germans will settle for either. Bayern have been relying heavily on their European pedigree to intimidate their opponents, and while their European credentials stretch further than most, there’s only so long that will last and it ran out a good few seasons ago. Munich’s best seasons are well behind them and they’re now playing catch up with the rest of Europe. The German league as a whole is on the decline, with Champions League football set to be restricted to just the top three next season should Bayern make what we see as an inevitable exit to Manchester United.

Manchester United are playing out of their skin and will travel to Germany with bags of momentum. They were rampant at Old Trafford against AC Milan last round winning 4-0 and it’s a result like that which will reverberate around the Allianz Arena as the fans will know only a winning result will do in this home leg. However, United were just as emphatic in Italy, more along the lines of clinical in fact as Milan had most of the possession. Bayern aren’t too dissimilar in that they too like to retain possession for large periods of time although they often struggle to do anything with it. United, though, are more than capable of playing on the counter if needs be and have shown in recent clashes alone, whether that be back home or in Europe, that they can be clinical.

We wouldn’t be at all surprised if Bayern didn’t score at least one as they’ve have been strapped for creative ideas of late, although we definitely don’t see United failing to score in Germany. They’ve scored in all four of their away encounters thus far in the Champions League and we expect that to stretch to five after the visit to Germany.

Match Odds:

Bayern Munich – 2.70 SkyBet

Draw – 3.25 PaddyPower

Manchester United – 2.70 Bet365

Fiorentina V Bayern Munich

Tuesday, 9^th March – 19:45 GMT

First Leg: Bayern Munich 2-1 Fiorentina

On the same night Arsenal were losing in controversial circumstances, Fiorentina were unfortunately in Germany falling foul to the very same evil fate. An 89^th minute header from Munich veteran, Miroslav Klose, sealed an enthralling first leg win for the Germans, although it was the team from Italy who should have departed from the Allianz Arena with all the plaudits as their performance merited at least a draw, despite being reduced to 10 men during the second period, of which Gobbi will now miss the return leg.

Their were several controversial moments in the first clash in Germany, with the opener being Gobbi’s dismissal with just 15 minutes left to play. However, it got worse when Ovrebro, the famous referee in the Chelsea-Barcelona game at Stamford Bridge last season, missed a blatant dangerous challenge by Miroslav Klose, a tackle which probably should have been met with a red card. This never materalised though, something that would later haunt the Italians, as well as the poor referring on the night, as with 89 minutes on the clock Klose stabbed home Bayern’s winner, although, not only should the German forward had possibly seen red a little earlier, he was clearly standing in an off-side position when the ball was played through, and we mean CLEARLY!

Fiorentina, or Viola as we will call them now they’ll be sporting their famous purple kit back in Florence, shown bags of spirit and endeavour, even if they were short on their luck. However, the past cannot be changed and this is where the hard work begins as manager Cesare Pradelli sets out to master-plan Fiorentina’s progression into the Quarter’s with victory back on home soil. However, the bookies don’t like his chances as Bayern travel over to Florence as the overwhelming favourites to progress, with 1.40 currently the best price you can get on Bayern Munich qualifying for the quarter’s with BetFred. Fiorentina, however, are far bigger at 3.30 with bWin, and look enormous odds to overcome a Bayern side who were hardly intimidating in the first leg. Viola return home to familiar surroundings and their ‘To Qualify’ price quote looks one of immense value in our eyes.

Fiorentina

Outright odds: 80/1 VCbet

Fiorentina’s hopes of defying the odds in qualifying for the quarter-final of the Champions League were given yet another setback after defeat at home to Juventus last Saturday. The Florence based team are going through a sticky patch of form back home, having won just once in Serie A in an almost baron two month spell, but can they put their poor league form aside as they welcome Bayern Munich to Artemio Franchi Stadium in a competition which has provided Viola with a welcome distraction from their poor domestic affairs.

Fiorentina were resilient, if not stubborn, in the opening leg, restricting Bayern to meaningless chances for the best part of 45 minutes before Arjen Rooben opended the scoring. They travelled to Germany with high ambitions of holding out for a draw, a result which would have left Viola in the driving seat had they of earned what they initially set out for. The draw was what they deserved if truth be told, but they had no choice but to settle for a bitter defeat come the end as Miroslav Klose’s 89^th minute header left the travelling Fiorentina support heartbroken after a gruelling affair back in Germany. However, there were plenty of positives to take from their first-leg encounter; the fact Bayern were made to look like pussy cats in comparison to their intimidating global reputation, the rare glimpses of goal Fiorentina restricted Bayern to, and their crucial away goal scored by Kroldrup which leaves this tie still firmly in the balance. 

It’s definitely worth pointing out that Cesare Prandelli, a wanted man at the helm of Fiorentina by many top clubs around Europe, will be without both Adrian Mutu and Gobbi for this second leg clash with Bayern. Gilardino is likely to take up the role of lone striker, while the biggest danger posed by Fiorentina will come in the form of Montenegro wonder-kid, Steven Jovetic. The small forward, whom is an eyesore with his afro styled hair, is just 20 years-of-age but is already shaping up as one of Viola’s more influential figures. Jovetic is so often the architecture in Fiorentina’s forward plays and fans back home in England might remember him fondly for his neatly taken two goal haul at home to Liverpool in the group stages earlier in the campaign. 

Fiorentina’s drastic league form is a huge concern as the morale in camp won’t be be especially high what with Fiorentina floundering in mid-table in Serie A. – a million miles off their fourth place finish of last season. Some of the natives back home have used this very competition as a lousy excuse as to why their team hasn’t been performing back home in the league, and while that could be a valid point, to be the very best you have to manage your battles on all fronts and that’s something Viola simply haven’t managed to do this season. Still, victory, along with qualification for the last-eight of Champions League, would go some way to making it up to their fans for their lacklustre efforts back home in Italy and we feel that’s a strong possibility seeing as they only need one goal.

Bayern Munich

Outright Odds: 14/1 Boylesports

The powerhouses of Germany, Bayern Munich, have the ball in their side of the court after somehow snatching victory from a tight first-leg encounter, one that appeared destined to end in stalemate. Their vital win back home in Germany probably wasn’t a deserved one but it’s a result which sets them up perfectly as they head over to Italy in the mindset that, should they avoid defeat in Florence, they would qualify for the next stage of the competition. However, they ideally need a goal in Italy as were this be a tight affair, as expected, one goal from the home side could be enough to take Fiorentina through on the away goals rule should Bayern not respond with a goal of their own, so despite leading on aggregate Bayern’s job is far from done. 

Louis Van Gaal needs to put some careful thought into which tactic to use ahead of Tuesday nights clash. If Bayern sit back and try to absorb the Fiorentina attacks, all it would take is one goal to send Bayern home empty handed and out of the competition. However, were they to choose the attacking option, with the aim being to quickly grab a crucial away goal, one which would leave Fiorentina needing two goals at least just to take this tie into extra-time, it could potentially leave Bayern’s defence exposed and open to exploitation when Fiorentina roam forward. Van Gaal will haveto go for a balancing act; attacking in an efficent manner, without the need for overcomitting as their main priority will be to defend their one goal advantage of theirs, with scoring an away goal a close second.

Bayern Munich are more than capable of scoring in Florence due to the array of striking talent at the club; Arjen Robben & Franck Ribery are a right handful down the flanks with their pace and skill, while their vision to not only spot the ideal pass but to deploy it with deadly accuracy makes them extremely dangerous and a serious threat on the break, while Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez are proper strikers in that they are more than accomplished with the ball at their feet, but the pair also have this predatory instinct, especially Klose who scored a predators goal in the first leg, that famous off-side goal that never officially was off-side. Moreover, Bayern’s previous visit to Italy was just before the Christmas break in a pivotal, and evidentially qualifying decider, against Juventus in Turin. Bayern knew they had to win that night and did so with aplomb, smashing four past Juventus in a 4-1 victory. They set down a marker that night that they could score any number of goals when asked too, but will they meet the expectations this time around in their second visit to Italy in as many months.

Unlike their last-sixteen opponents, Bayern do have some solid league form under their belts and, crucially, some staggeringly high momentum behind them. While Bayern have only managed two draws in their last two away outings back in the German Bundesliga, the current leaders of the German league have gone a mouthwatering eighteen league games without defeat. It’s a run that stretches way back to September of last year. More importantly, however, eight of those eighteen unbeaten games were away fixtures, a statistic which should breathe confidence into the Munich players. They did, however, succumb to defeat in Bordeaux back in the Group stage, losing 2-1 to the French champions. The defeat in France was the evidence needed that the German giants are beatable, even if they are one of the more formidable teams left in the competition.

Our Verdict: Fiorentina to WIN – 2.90 Bet365

Call us silly, perhaps even foolish, but our gut instinct is saying Fiorentina will be the side progressing at Bayern’s expense, while the only way that will happen is with victory in Florence, so that’s our short and uneventful story on how we came across a Fiorentina punt. We expected so much more from Bayern in the first leg, yet throughout the course of their Champions League campaign they fail to meet the demands set upon them by us and their passionate fans. The Germans were in colossal form when they last visited Italy, beating Juventus 4-1, but that was a classy performance from out of nowhere, with Bayern’s away displays generally being patchy, and well below par. Bayern Munich are far too inconsistent for my liking to be taking chunks out of their short price to qualify, and so, preference is for Viola, Fiorentina, to spring the first mini-shock of the knock-out stage by seeing to Bayern Munich. After all, both Liverpool and Lyon have fallen in Florence this season, so what’s to stop Bayern succumbing to same, ill fate.

Match Odds:

Fiorentina – 2.90 Bet365

Draw – 3.40 PaddyPower

Bayern Munich – 2.50 totesport

UEFA Champions League – Round of 16

Bayern Munich V Fiorentina

Tuesday, 16^th February – 19:45 GMT

Bayern Munich

Match Odds: 1.53 (8/15) Boylesports

Recommended Bet: Franck Ribery FGS – 8/1 Ladbrokes 

Bayern Munich, under the guidance of Louis Van Gaal as Munich manager, will be aiming to end their ten year baron run without a European trophy when they entertain Fiorentina in Germany for the first leg of what is a favourable draw for the Germans. Die Bayern, one of their many nicknames back home, are going great guns in the Bundesliga – not losing in fifteen games – and will hope their sensational run of form whilst in domestic action can be the platform for a successful run in Europe’s most prestigious club competition, which will hopefully be complimented by at least a final appearance come May.  

Bayern have often not lived up to expectations in recent Champions League campaigns, not even participating in last seasons tournament while they were knocked out at just the group stage the season before. In all fairness, Bayern have been far from convincing in this seasons Champions League and barely scraped through their Group consisting of Juventus, Bordeaux & Maccabi Haifa. Despite losing twice to French champions Bordeaux, Bayern Munich eventually pipped Juventus to the post by thrashing the Italian in Italy 1-4, by far and away their best result of the campaign and one which was perhaps a signal of intent that Bayern Munich are beginning to climb up the gears as the season hots up.

Back in league action, Bayern Munich have been unstoppable and are enjoying a fifteen match spell without losing. Moreover, to add to their tonne of positive momentum heading into this opening leg, the Munich side have won their last nine games after victory at home to Borrusia Dortmund at the weekend, and are on the verge of equalling a ten match winning streak record in Germany previouslt set by Monchengladbach.

Finally, after long last, Bayern are playing with confidence, with some attacking vigour, and are showing signs that the strong Bayern of old is slowly returning to it’s peak. Their superb league run has coincided with Franck Ribery’s return to fitness and he was instrumental in Bayern’s comeback victory at the weekend. He will undoubtedly be their biggest dangerman on the night, along with former Chelsea winger and Dutch international Arjen Robben. The two occupy either side of the wings and both are a damn nuisance to keep quiet. The pair possess bags of pace and skill and are so hard to pick up when Bayern do stretch their legs on the counter. They not only supply the forward paring of Muller and Klose with ample crosses and through balls, but they also have the ability to strike themselves from just about anywhere on the pitch.

Bayern Munich are actually shaping up as a decent Each-Way bet for the tournament after their recent surge of results back home and the with the form of their key players at the moment. They’ve been scoring plenty of goals, often at will, scoring 24 goals in their last 7 games, and even the leanest of defences will struggle to keep Bayern at bay it would seem. However, it’s worth remembering that Bayern haven’t been much of a force in this seasons competition, already falling to defeat on two occasions, both of which come against Bordeaux – Group A winners. They also only managed just one win from their three home games in the group stage – but will their superb run of form back home inspire them to bigger and better performances in the Champions League starting with a vital win in the first leg at the Allianz Arena?

Fiorentina

Match Odds: 7.50 (13/2) Coral

Recommend Bet: To Score NO Goals – 2.10 SkyBet

Fiorentina, an Italian team without any real previous Champions League success, go in search of their first, one which would be a shock, this season after bypassing what appeared to be a very tricky Group E consisting of Lyon, Liverpool & Debrecen. After fending off the pursuit from Liverpool for second place, Fiorentina gave their Champions League credentials a big boost, but now the pressure is on and they will come up against one of Europe’s in form sides on Wednesday night in Germany’s Bayern Munich – A team unbeaten back home in fifteen games. 

On paper, Fiorentina aren’t the strongest of teams and it’s an achievement in itself that they’ve gotten this far. They had to fend off a beleaguered challenge from Liverpool for the second qualifying spot, even beating the 2005 Champions twice during the group stage of the competition just to get to this stage. However, their squad does look very basic and bland, with just a few individuals screaming out at us as potential key players. In the absence of Mutu up front, Gilardino will be Viola’s main goal threat, which isn’t a major drop down as the Italian forward is a proper old fashioned goal poacher and will grab you a goal if given half-a-chance. However, it’s in the creative department where the alarm bells are ringing and the pressure to create and supply Gilardino looks to be on Jovetic, Fiorentina’s young starlet, whom has already made a name for himself in the tournament after sticking two past Liverpool in Florence. However, while he has been prone to some magic displays on occasions, Jovetic is still just 20 years-old and unproven under this type of limelight.

Viola’s hopes of diving head first into this first leg with a positive attitude was dented by Sampdoria after a 2-0 defeat away from their native home of Florence at the weekend. In fact, Fiorentina are in drastic form at current and haven’t experienced that winning feeling since 10^th January when they Bari 2-1 at home. Since, however, Viola have fallen to four defeats in five. Moreover, their away form is a whole lot worse, with Fiorentina winning just one of their last six away encounters in Serie A, losing four of them. The absence of Adrian Mutu is perhaps why their form has dropped so badly within such a short space of time, but they will have to cope without him once again as the Romanian is unavailable once again for this clash.

The one thing Fiorentina will need, and it’s something they’ve failed to do in each of their away games in the competition thus far, is keep it tight at the back. In all three of their away group encounters Fiorentina conceded at least one goal, which is in stark contrast to the two clean sheets in three they kept at home, with both of those coming against the strongest teams in their group. However, Viola have even been struggling in defence in Serie A, against far inferior opposition then their Wednesday night opponents, and have gone eight games without keeping a shut-out in the league. The team sporting their famous purple shirts are a tad lost at the moment, with form not on their side, and with their defence currently at sixes-and-sevens, surely Fiorentina are a team best left well alone for the time being.

Match Verdict: Bayern Munich to WIN – 1.53 Boylesports

The German side look immensely strong on paper, both in regards to their fit and available players and their form back home in domestic action. They’ve not lost in fifteen games in the German Bundesliga and have notched up nine straight victories. Of course, we mustn’t completely disregard some of their woeful displays in the competition thus far, two extremely bad ones coming against Bordeaux, but Fiorentina are a team currently on the rocks, struggling for form and low on confidence, and if Bayern are to harbour serious claims for the Champions League crown then they simply have to beat Fiorentina with authority. There are goals in this for Bayern, but whether they disappoint us once again is another question, one certainly open to debate.

Match Odds:

Bayern Munich – 1.53 Boylesports

Draw – 3.00 Bet365

Fiorentina – 7.50 Coral

To Qualify:

Bayern Munich – 1.50 PaddyPower

Fiorentina – 2.80 bWin

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Bayern Munich/Bayern Munich (HT/FT Betting) – 2.38 BlueSquare