'Osram' Heynckes and his German assassins won their 23rd German title on Saturday at Frankfurt. One down, two to go for the Bavarians. It was a great performance last time out at the 'Inflatable Boat' in Munich which saw Juventus put to the sword. Now Bayern Munich take a 2 nil lead to Turin. In the other match, Paris St Germain will attempt to achieve the almost impossible task of defeating Barcelona at the Camp Nou and progress to the semi-finals.
Unenviable as it is, Le Parisien will do everything within their powers to eliminate Barcelona even if it is at the Nou Camp. Everyone knows how daunting it is to beat what is regarded as the best club side in the World. Carlo Ancelotti and his boys have what it takes to go all the way in the competition and that they will try to go a step further in a few hours. The big story before this great match-up surrounds the possible absence of Leo Messi from the squad. The thigh injury he sustained at the PdP last week still ails him, although he trained well yesterday. It has been widely spread that he will most likely start the game from the bench. The doctors have advised that he takes his place among the substitutes to avert any relapse. The Blaugrana have shown that they are more than capable of coping without the little Legend. In matches he hasn't featured at all this season, Barca have scored 10 goals and conceded none, winning both games convincingly. The most recent is last weekend's thumping of Mallorca. Cesc Fabregas who's the automatic choice for the false nine position, scored a lovely hat-trick with Chilean, Alexis Sanchez helping himself to a brace.
Runaway leaders of Le Championaat, PSG, warmed up for the most important match of their season with a gutsy 2-0 win at Rennes with Ibracadabra and Jeremy Menez scoring the goals. The latter, a world class goal worthy of gracing any pitch. The hopes of the Parisian club rests on the big shoulders of the towering Swede whose 35 goals this season sums up the reasons why he is so so valuable. He wasn't at his best last week, but he still scored one and assisted the other as his side fought to earn a deserved draw. The absence of Puyol and Masch will be an added boost to the Strikers department of the french club and Ibra can make the four time European Champions pay dearly. Ezequiel 'Pocho' Lavezzi has scored five goals for PSG this season and will be relied upon to deliver the goods.
Probable Lineups-
BARCELONA-
Valdes, Alves, Pique, Adriano, Alba, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Alexis/Pedro, CESC, Villa/Tello
Tito Vilanova's depleted side have to do without Captain Carlos Puyol and Jefecito Mascherano which means the centre of defence is shaky and bereft of first choice regulars. The versatile Adriano who's fit in time for this encounter might slot into the hole with Pique providing the needed experience and skill. David Villa is a doubt and Leo Messi will most likely start from the bench.
PSG-
Sirigu, Jallet, T.Silva, Alex, Mxwell, Beckham, Verratti, Chantome, Lavezzi, Moura, IBRA
Blaise Matuidi is the reason the Parisiens are still in this tie. His last gasp equaliser secured a 2-2 draw and a chance to qualify for the semis of Europe's most prestigious cup competition. He will be missing from tonight's crunch game through suspension. A great loss to the team. His absence in midfield will seriously be felt. The young Verratti, the veteran Becks and Clemente Chantome have to play the game of their lives to keep Xavi and Iniesta quiet, while creating chances for Ibra and his cohorts. Only Becks is used to these kind of situations. However, age has caught up with him and he isn't the player he once was. His displays last time made a huge impression on the football public and a replication of that will definitely help his team.
With the League wrapped up, die Roten will hope to complete the job started on the old lady. The Champions of Germany have been spectacular all season, destroying every obstacle on their way. The aim is three titles and with one secured, the next objective is to go further in the Champions League. Tonight at the Juventus Stadium, it is make or mar for both sides and the Juventini have it all to do.
Gianluigi Buffon has been widely criticized for the two goals conceded in the 1st leg defeat by Bayern's honourary President, Franz Beckenbauer. The Germany and Bayern Legend called the Azzurri Captain a Pensioner for failing to keep out Alaba's long range shot and his inability to hold a weak shot that led to the 2nd goal. He has since apologised, but maintained that Gigi should have kept out both goals. The great Italian goalie agreed that he was poor in the match, but chose not to respond to Beckenbauer. He said 'When you are the hammer, you hit....when you are the anvil, you stay put'. The most important thing is to stay focused and perform better in the next game. He is one of the best goaltenders of all time and will be expected to prove that beyond any doubt tonight as his team tries to overturn a seemingly insurmountable deficit. The Old Lady will be aware of the huge threat Bayern pose. The 4-1 defeat a few seasons ago is a reminder of the quality of the Bavarian team. Andrea Pirlo never showed up at the 'Schlauchboot' last week. The best DLP in the World must sparkle if Juventus harbour any ambition of getting past Bayern later tonight. Mirko Vucinic scores his goals once in a blue moon. His brace v Pescara last weekend helped Juventus to gain all three points...However, he is not a potent striker. Quag, Matri, and Giovinco don't score often, but it is the unity of the team that has brought them were they are at the moment.
Bayern Munich cannot afford to lose concentration this night. Granted, they hold a 2-0 lead. Juventus will come out and throw even the kitchen sink at them in an effort to push them out of the UCL. It will be one of the great comebacks of European football, but like we saw in the Dortmund-Malaga match yesterday, impossible is nothing, especially in Football. The likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger who helped to keep the imposing Pirlo quiet, Thomas Muller-the footballer who never lets you down, Philipp Lahm-Captain composure and guile, Arjen Robben-one of the best wingers of his generation, Franck Ribery-star man, Dante-defensive rock, Manuel Neuer-Goalkeeper supreme, etc are hungrier than ever to make up for last season's disappointment where they fell at the last hurdle (lost to Chelsea on penalties). Die Roten won nothing when they within touching distance of winning a historic treble. This season is one of making up for the lost time. Since the Bundesliga is a wrap, the other two competitions will be given greater priority.
Probable Lineups-
JUVENTUS-
Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Pardoin, Pogba, PIRLO, Marchisio, Peluso, Vucinic, Quag
The Old lady of Italian Football will be without Stephan Lichsteiner and powerhouse, Arturo Vidal for the visit of the Bavarians. Paul Labile Pogba will come in for the suspended Chilean and Conte might deploy a 3-5-2 formation. Federico Peluso will be the preferred left wing-back as Kwadwo Asamoah is painfully out of sorts at the moment. Pirlo and Buffon, over to you guys.
BAYERN MUNICH
Neuer, Lahm, Dante, Van Buyten, Alaba, Schweini, Martinez, Robben, Ribery, Muller, Mandzukic,
All is well and good for the Reds as they file out tonight. We all know Osram's picks for Bundesliga and European games, so there should be no surprises. The only one is Robben for Kroos which is enforced.
Get a beer and some groundnut then..................it's ACTION time......
Ohireime P Eboreime
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