Panoramic
| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE  Bracigliano Azpilicueta, M'Bia, N'Koulou, Morel Diarra, Cheyrou, Amalfitano Valbuena, Brandao, A. Ayew | BAYERN MUNICH  Neuer Lahm, Boateng, Badstuber, Alaba Luiz Gustavo, KroosRobben, Muller, Ribery Gomez |
Olympique de Marseille coach Didier Deschamps is facing some serious selection troubles ahead of the clash with Bayern Munich as a number of key players are either injured or suspended.
Steve Mandanda, who picked up a red card in the second leg of the round of 16 tie with Inter, will be replaced in goal by Gennaro Bracigliano. Souleymane Diawara, who is also suspended for the game against Bayern, is likely to be replaced by Stephane M'bia in the heart of the defence. In the final third, Olympique de Marseille will probably have to do without the service of Loic Remy, who is still recuperating from an injury and is rated doubtful for the clash at Stade Velodrome. Striker Brandao, who netted against Inter earlier this month, is expected to deputise for the France international.
Bayern Munich vice-captain Bastian Schweinsteiger could recover from his leg injury in time for the fixture, but is likely to start on the bench.
Toni Kroos, who delivered an impressive performance in the 2-1 win against Hannover last Saturday, is likely to be pushed back to the double pivot, at the expense of Danijel Pranjic, in order to make room for the returning Thomas Muller.
Ex-Olympique de Marseille man Daniel Van Buyten is certain to miss out on a reunion with his former club, unlike Franck Ribery who is set to start against the side he represented for two years between 2005 and 2007.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
Olympique de Marseille have lost nine of their last 19 games at Stade Velodrome in the Champions League, drawing on three occasions.
- Midfielder Alou Diarra played for Bayern Munich's reserve side between 2000 and 2002, amassing 41 games.
- Olympique de Marseille have won their last two knockout ties against German opposition.
- Bayern Munich have never played against Les Phoceens in an official game.
- The Bavarians have won three of their last four two-legged ties with French opposition.
- Daniel Van Buyten and Franck Ribery played for Olympique de Marseille in the past. In addition, Bayern Munich honorary president Franz Beckenbauer had a coaching stint with the French side in 1990.
Olympique de Marseille have been in awful form in recent times, but are sure to give their all against Bayern Munich on Tuesday. However, with some crucial players out for game at Stade Velodrome for Les Phoceens, and with the Bavarians firing on all cylinders recently, one can see Jupp Heynckes' men edging the first leg.
Editor's Prediction
Marseille 1-2 Bayern 
