Bayern Munich vs Juventus preview

April 1, 2013
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Bayern vs ArsenalWhat better way to celebrate Europe’s elite competition than two true European powerhousses battling for a chance to continue their Champions League campaign.

Bayern go into this game on the back of a 9-2 win over Hamburg, whereas Juventus will feel confident as well having virtually secured the league title with a win over Inter in Derby d’Italia.

While they have nobody else to blame but themselves for allowing Dortmund to win league and Cup titles last term, the Bavarians were very unfortunate to lose the Champions League final at their Alianz Arena, having completely outclassed Chelsea.

Jupp Heynckes’ side have done well to reach the closing stages of this year’s Champions League, but they now face a very tricky tie against high-flying Juventus.

The 9-2 weekend’s victory over Hamburg, achieved with a second-string line-up, certainly created a great atmosphere ahead of the match of the season, but this will be a whole different ball game.

Online bookmakers don’t seem to agree, as Paddy Power sees the Bavarians as 1.67 (2/3) favourites to defeat Juventus in the first leg.

Team’s top scorer Mario Mandzukic is 2.40 (7/5) at BetVictor to score what would be only his third Champions League goal this term.

Luiz Gustavo is set to deputize for Javi Martinez, who is out through suspension, while Holger Badstuber is a long-term casualty.

A number of first team regulars return after being rested at the weekend, including Mandzukic, Ribery, Alaba, Muller and Van Buyten.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Neuer – Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba – Schweinsteiger, Gustavo – Muller, Kroos, Ribery – Mandzukic.

Juventus have successfully returned to old glory days following what was a very difficult decade for the most supported club in Italy.

A nine-point cushion at the top with just eight games to go is enough to suggest the Bianconeri are set to win their second successive league title, but they are also hungry for European success.

So far, everything has been going according to plan, even if the team had to work hard to progress from what was a very difficult Champions League group, while they eased off to a 5-0 aggregate win over Celtic in the Last 16 stage.

Juventus were pretty unlucky to be pitted against mighty Bayern in the quarter-finals, but there is no point in ruing their luck now.

The Bianconeri arrive at Alianz Arena high on confidence, having recorded the fourth straight victory by beating Inter in Derby d’Italia, and they are no less than 6.00 (5/1) at Stan James to triumph in Munich.

On the other hand, Antonio Conte’s side are 2.63 (13/8) at BetFred to qualify for the Champions League semi-finals.

Star forward Mirko Vucinic has resumed full training after recovering from fever, while Sebastian Giovinco and Giorgio Chellini are also in the squad.

Probable starting line-up (3-5-2): Buffon – Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini – Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah – Vucinic, Matri.

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