Bayern Munich brought abomination to Barcelona with a 4-0 win during the first leg of the semis. The much awaited return of Lionel Messi and other top players have not stopped Bayern in reigning into the field.
Barcelona Vs Bayern Munich - Betting Preview
Barcelona need to score at least 4 goals against a side that have conceded just twice in their last four Champions League away games and only 3 times on the road all season in the Bundesliga.
They have already rescued a first leg away defeat in the Champions League this season, but this may be unassailable. No team has ever overturned a 4-0 deficit after the first leg of a Champions League knockout game.
Tito Vilanova would have liked to keep Messi fresh ahead of Wednesday's game but was forced to introduce the Argentine with the side trailing to Bilbao at the weekend. Messi came off the bench to score in his 20th consecutive league game against Athletic Bilbao, but Barcelona were forced to wait at least another week to seal the La Liga title after a 2-2 draw.
Jordi Alba is suspended having picked up his third yellow card of the tournament in the reverse fixture, and he is likely to be replaced by Adriano, who returns from a ban. Cesc Fabregas, David Villa, Alexis Sanchez and Pedro compete for two places in the starting XI. With Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano still injured, it's a further dent to the defensive options which Tito Vilanova has available. Eric Abidal replaced 22-year-old central defender Marc Bartra against Bilbao and may be used in that role again on Wednesday.
Bayern continued their momentous season on Saturday. They managed a 1-0 win over Hoffenheim, setting a new Bundesliga points record of 84, three more than Dortmund's record mark last season. Heynckes made 10 changes to his side in a show of respect to Barcelona, but they still registered a 14th straight league win.
Bayern Munich have no new injury concerns or suspensions to concern themselves with after the first leg—midfielder Toni Kroos and defender Holger Badstuber remain long-term absentees. Heynckes rested almost his entire first team XI at the weekend, with even keeper Manuel Neuer dropped to the bench.Mario Mandzukic is back available following a suspension and he will compete for the lone striker position with Mario Gomez.
Barcelona Vs Bayern Munich - Probable Lineups
Barcelona (4-3-3): Victor Valdes; Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Marc Bartra, Adriano; Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta; Pedro Rodriguez, David Villa, Lionel Messi.
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer; Phillip Lahm, Dante, Jerome Boateng, David Alaba; Bastian Schweinsteiger, Luiz Gustavo; Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller, Franck Ribery; Mario Mandzukic.
Barcelona Vs Bayern Munich - Team Form
Barcelona
27 Apr 2013 Athletic de Bilbao 2 - Barcelona 2 LIGA
23 Apr 2013 FC Bayern München 4 - Barcelona 0 UCL
20 Apr 2013 Barcelona 1 - Levante UD 0 LIGA
14 Apr 2013 Zaragoza 0 - Barcelona 3 LIGA
10 Apr 2013 Barcelona 1 - Paris St. Germain (PSG) 1 UCL
Bayern Munich
27 Apr 2013 Bayern Munich 1 - SC Freiburg 0 GER1
23 Apr 2013 Bayern Munich 4 - Barcelona 0 UCL
20 Apr 2013 Hannover 96 1 - Bayern Munich 6 GER1
16 Apr 2013 Bayern Munich 6 - VfL Wolfsburg 1 GERC
13 Apr 2013 Bayern Munich 4 - 1. FC Nürnberg 0 GER1
Tip: Both team to score
Odd: 1.50 - MyBet
Stake: 9.5/10
