Wednesday, February 22, 2012 has the makings of yet another epic day of football in the UEFA Champions League, with FC Basel v Bayern Munich and Marseille v Inter Milan both on the matchday schedule.
Before I dive into the previews and predictions, here are the betting odds for tomorrow’s UCL ties.
Betting Odds:
FC Basel (11/2) v Bayern Munich (8/13); Draw (3/1)
Marseille (5/4) v Inter Milan (11/4) ; Draw (9/4)
Now then, let’s get started.
FC Basel v Bayern Munich: Match Preview
Jupp Heynckes and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich will travel to St Jakob-Park to take on Heiko Vogel and Swiss Super League champions FC Basel on Wednesday.
Basel have not lost since October 18, 2011, and are in the midst of a 12-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
In retrospect, Bayern’s unbeaten run is only at five games at the moment.
Players to Watch
Swiss international Xherdan Shaqiri, who has already agreed to join Bayern Munich in the summer of 2012, is the player to watch for Basel.
If Shaqiri can put enough crosses into the box, Basel may just be able to grab a home win versus their German counterparts.
For Bayern Munich, Mario Gomez is surely the danger man. In 2011-12, Gomez has bagged 34 goals and five assists for club and country (Germany) in 39 appearances. Simply tremendous.
Prediction
The Bundesliga giants just have too much fire power for the Swiss champions, 2-1 Bayern.
Marseille v Inter Milan: Match Preview
Inter Milan will look to put their domestic league struggles behind them when they take on French outfit Marseille in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
However, Marseille boss Dider Deschamps expects a strong performance from Inter at Stade Vélodrome on Wednesday.
“I am convinced we will not see the same Inter as of their last four Serie A matches,” said Deschamps. “They will not erase everything in four or five days, but collectively they will be better.
“The Champions League can bring the focus and determination they have missed.”
Players to Watch
Ghanaian winger Andre Ayew, who has netted nine goals and one assist in 23 games in all competitions in 2011-12, is the player to watch for Marseille.
Furthermore, Ayew has three goals and one assist in five UCL matches this season.
For Internazionale, Holland international Wesley Sneijder is surely the man to watch.
In a season that has been derailed by injury, Sneijder has tallied just four goals and seven assists in 25 appearances for both club and country.
Can the Dutchman make an impact on Wednesday?
Prediction
Inter’s struggles continue, 2-0 Marseille cruise to victory.
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