Wednesday’s Round of 16 UEFA Champions League presents two interesting ties, with last season’s finalists facing off again, while injury-hit English giants Manchester United head to France.
Inter Milan v Bayern Munich @ San Siro
Group stage European champions Inter progressed through to the Round of 16 in second spot from Group A, behind Tottenham but ahead of FC Twente and Werder Bremen. Inter won all three of their home matches in the group stage, scoring nine goals in those matches, but only managed one point away from home, although they eased up late in the group with their basically assured after four games. Samuel Eto’o was a star with seven goals.
German champions Bayern topped Group E with 15 points, ahead of AS Roma, FC Basel and CFR Cluj. Bayern’s only defeat came in their penultimate group game away to AS Roma when they lost 3-2. But the Bavarians eased through their group with 16 goals in six matches, including six strikes from Mario Gomez.
Form Inter had been experiencing a disastrous campaign under Rafa Benitez until he was dismissed in December. Since then, under Leonardo’s guidance, they’ve returned to the Scudetto race, re-emerged as Champions League contenders and progressed to the Coppa Italia semi-finals.
Inter have recently won nine of their past 11 Serie A matches to storm up to third in the league, within five points of leaders AC Milan. Samuel Eto’o has been brilliant with 15 goals, while Wesley Sneijder return has been a big boost. As well, Inter have only lost once at home this term.
Much like Inter, Bayern have struggled to reach last season’s dizzying heights this campaign and currently sit third in their domestic title race with work to do. But they have moved back into contention in recent times, particularly with the return from injury of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.
Bayern are 13 points behind German leaders Dortmund in the Bundesliga, but face them this weekend after this crucial Champions League clash, making it a big week for Louis van Gaal’s men. The Bavarians have won four of their past five Bundesliga matches and have been scoring goals freely since the return of Robben so they may be a threat here.
Team news Last season’s final double-goalscoring hero Diego Milito is out of this clash due to a thigh problem. Influential midfielder Wesley Sneijder was rested on the weekend but is fit for this clash along with ex-Bayern defender Lucio who has shaken off a thigh complaint.
Key goalscorer Mario Gomez is fit for Bayern after an ankle problem, while Toni Kroos returned on the weekend as a substitute following a foot injury and could be used here. Ivica Olic is a long-term injury absentee.
Coaches Leonardo: “The team have reacted well after a difficult time and now we are very motivated for this game. Every team have strengths and weaknesses. In the Champions League there are big players, big teams and big goals. It’s as if there’s more desire to play in this competition. The games are more open and I like this attacking mentality. We are the defending champions and we can beat anyone.”
Louis van Gaal: “If I’m the coach of a team, I always want three or four creative players in my team and I don’t want them to get injured. We were missing some of our quality players in the first part of the season but now things have changed – with them back we’re doing better, you can see it in the results we’re getting.”
Sports Pundit prediction; Inter Milan 2-1 Bayern Munich
Olympique Marseille v Manchester United> @ Stade Velodrome
Group stage
French champions Marseille progressed out of Group F in second spot behind Chelsea but ahead of Spartak Moscow and MSK Zilina. But early on it didn’t look good for OM after they lost their opening two matches, including a 1-0 home defeat to Spartak. But emphatic away wins at Zilina (7-0) and Spartak (3-0) got them back on track and they finished with a win over Chelsea although the Blues were already through. 
English leaders Manchester United topped Group C ahead of Valencia, Rangers and Bursaspor to progress to this stage. It was a relatively simple group stage for the Red Devils, who conceded just one goal and went unbeaten. There were three 1-0 wins but Sir Alex Ferguson’s men simply did enough to stay in control with a record of 4-2-0.
Form Didier Deschamps’ Marseille are currently third in Ligue 1 but are firmly in the title hunt, three points behind leaders Lille. Marseille are unbeaten in Ligue 1 since December 6, and have recently won three matches on the trot with Marseille:Alain-Pierre Gignac> scoring plenty of goals.
Marseille have only lost once at home in Ligue 1 this campaign, but their away record is far from convincing reading. Also worth noting is OM are in the Coupe de la Ligue final to be played in April against Montpellier.
The Red Devils are currently top in England’s Premier League, four points ahead of their nearest rivals in Arsenal. After a slow start to the campaign, particularly away from home, United have found top gear recently after just two losses in their past 39 matches, although they did slip up just over a fortnight ago 2-1 to Wolverhampton in the league.
Dimitar Berbatov has been outstanding with 19 league goals, while Wayne Rooney strike in the Manchester derby victory last week was something special. The Red Devils are also in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Team news France international Mathieu Valbuena> is back from a knee injury and training with the OM squad, but Didier Deschamps says it’s premature to start him against United. Marseille are sweating on the fitness of strikers Loic Remy and Brandao due to ankle injury, while Alain-Pierre Gignac looks certain to miss due to a groin problem.
The Red Devils have been hit hard by injury ahead of their French trip and travel without Anderson (knee), Michael Owen (groin), Rio Ferdinand (calf) and Jonny Evans (ankle) along with Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-Sung to name a few.
Coaches Didier Deschamps: “We’ll need to be strong at the back, 0-0 would not be a bad result, and defending well will be crucial. It’s a privilege to play such games; I know the atmosphere at the Vélodrome will be boiling.”
Sir Alex Ferguson: “Marseille are a very powerful team, athletic, with strong defenders. Valbuena is back training and could be playing. We know it’s a fantastic atmosphere here and that will help Marseille. I don’t make us favourites. Marseille have an opportunity; it’s a challenge for them too.”
Sports Pundit prediction; Olympique Marseille 0-1 Manchester United