Bayern Munich vs Man Utd Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Prediction

Manchester United are in Germany ready to take on Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena tonight in the second leg of their Champions League quarter final clash.

The tie is finely poised after last weeks 1-1 draw at Old Trafford when United perhaps surprised many with an excellent display to hold the reigning European champions. However, as well as they played in the first leg, United are going to have to produce something special this evening to book their place in the last four.

David Moyes men head into the game off the back of a comfortable 4-0 win away at Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon and they will take great heart from their impressive away record in the Premier League and hope it translates to Europe.

The soon-to-be deposed champions will also be buoyed by the fact Bayern have failed to win any of their previous four games against English opposition at the Allianz Arena, and they slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Augsburg at the weekend to end their long unbeaten domestic run. However, Pep Guardiola rested a number of his key men for that game in preparation for tonight, safe in the knowledge the Bundesliga title is already tied up.

This is going to be the ultimate test for Moyes in what’s been a difficult first season in charge, but getting to the last four of the Champions League might just be enough to persuade his critics he’s still the right man for the job.

Team News

Bayern have major injury and suspension problems with Guardiola claiming he has just 14 first-team players to choose from for the game.

Key midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is suspended after being sent off at Old Trafford while Javi Martinez is also missing after picking up a second booking.

Thiago Alcantara is still out through injury and he joins Xherdan Shaqiri, Diego Contento, Tom Starke, Lukas Raeder and Holger Badstuber on the sidelines.

Man Utd are going to give Wayne Rooney every chance of proving his fitness after picking up a toe injury last week and Moyes has claimed that the striker is willing to take a painkilling injection to take to the pitch. Rooney trained on Tuesday and is expected to start.

Jonny Evans, Rafael and Marouane Fellaini have failed to travel with the squad so Phil Jones could start at right-back with Darren Fletcher pushing to retain his place after an excellent showing at the weekend.

Ryan Giggs trained yesterday after a hamstring strain, while Patrice Evra is expected to start despite a minor knee injury. Juan Mata is ineligible and Robin van Persie remains out with a knee problem.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Wayne Rooney: United know they’ll need to score at least once to have a chance of progressing and Rooney is going to be a pivotal figure tonight if the visitors want to progress to the semi’s.

Prediction

Bayern Munich 2-1 Man Utd: Bayern have their injury and suspension problems but they are still going to be able to field a formidable looking side, and although we can see United making a real fight of it, the Germans should have just too much for them in the end.

What team would you like to see start and whats your predicted score? Share your views below.