Tuesday, July 26, 2011

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26.07. (Tue) 20:30 Bayern Munchen - Milan

DID YOU KNOW?

Bayern won the first and only prior Audi Cup in 2009, edging Manchester United in the final following a penalty shoot-out.

The Germans have spent an estimated €47 million on transfers this summer, bringing in the likes of Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, and Rafinha.

Jupp Heynckes' side have failed to win their last two pre-season friendlies during regular time, having lost to Hamburg before overcoming Mainz in penalties.

The Bavarians begin their competitive season on August 1 as they take on Eintracht Braunschweig in the DFB Pokal.

AC Milan won their first warm-up friendly of the pre-season against minnows Solbiatese, a 12-0 victory.

The Serie A winners have their first competitive match of the season just ten days after the Audi Cup final, the Supercoppa Italiana against Inter.

Owner Silvio Berlusconi has opted not to dip deep into his coffers this summer: Milan have only paid transfer fees this summer for Stephan El Shaarawy, Marco Amelia, and youngster Gianmario Comi. They also completed Zlatan Ibrahimovic's signing with a €24m payment to Barcelona.

Pato, Thiago Silva, Robinho, and Mario Yepes will meet up with the Milan squad in Munich following a short holiday. The South American quartet had until recently been on international duty at the Copa America.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS


Bayern Munich:
Neuer; Rafinha, Boateng, Badstuber, Lahm; Luiz Gustavo, Schweinsteiger; Robben, Muller, Usami; Gomez

Bayern had a scare on Sunday when Franck Ribery collapsed during training after taking a blow to his ankle. He has been ruled out of the Audi Cup, and could also miss the Bundesliga kick-off. Otherwise, the hosts will be at full strength.

AC Milan:
Abbiati; Abate, Nesta, Silva, Zambrotta; Flamini, Van Bommel, Seedorf; Boateng; Ibrahimovic, Robinho

Massimiliano Allegri has a full squad available, but in all likelihood will only field a half-team, with the Italian Supercoppa on the horizon. He will nonetheless be keen to get a good run-out from his players, who have only had one test match thus far.

Prediction
If this match were played a few months into the season it might be different, but for now, the hosts are far more prepared. They haven't hit top gear, but the added practice of playing in many friendlies and training for longer gives them a distinct edge.

Bayern Munich 2-1 AC Milan