Preview: Bayern ready for CL 'farewell', Chelsea entertain Liverpool

الإثنين، 13 أبريل 2009 - 23:12

كتب : Omar AbdelAziz

Two UEFA Champions League semi-final spots will be filled on Tuesday night, with Liga leaders Barcelona in pole position to oust Bayern Munich and make the last four.

Following a 4-0 hammering in the first leg in Spain, four-time winners Bayern are virtually kicked out, and manager Jurgen Klinsmann has no doubts over his side's imminent fate.

"It would be unrealistic to say we can go through, but we're going to do everything to win," said the former Germany star.

"We want to play breathtaking football and bid an honorable farewell to the Champions League."

Bayern welcome back influential defense duo Lucio and Philippe Lahm, who missed last week's defeat with respective injuries. However, top scorer Miroslav Klose remains sidelined with an ankle injury.

On the other hand, Barca have Rafa Marquez suspended, while Thierry Henry is a major doubt due to fever.

Josep Guardiola is also unlikely to risk Argentine ace Lionel Messi, who was cautioned during the Camp Nou tie.

Chelsea Under Pressure

In West London, Liverpool will need no less than a miracle to hit three past Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, following a 3-1 first-leg defeat at Anfield.

However, Reds boss Rafa Benitez believes that pressure will be on the home side in the all-English contest.

"This is football; you never know what will happen. We have nothing to lose," the Spaniard said.

"Chelsea will be under pressure because they have to win, but then they have experienced players who have been through this before."

Benitez is sweating over the fitness of inspirational skipper Steven Gerrard, who missed the weekend's 4-0 win over Blackburn with a nagging groin problem.

But Javier Mascherano returns from suspension and is set to replace youngster Lucas in midfield.

As for Chelsea, skipper John Terry is suspended, so Ricardo Carvalho should partner Alex at the heart of defense.

Full-back Jose Bosingwa has recovered from injury, but is unlikely to replace the in-form Branislav Ivanovic, who was merely the hero of the first leg.

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