Match Background:
Fiorentina will have to overcome a 2-1 deficit if they wish to progress to the quarter finals of the Champions League for the first time in nearly 40 years. Bayern Munich on the other hand, would have to improve on their away record in Europe if they wish to make it to the quarter finals for the second year running. No doubt Bayern hammered Juventus in their last away game but overall their away records in Europe have been poor.

Match Analysis:
The key focus for Fiorentina to progress to the next round of the Champions League lies on goalkeeper Sebastien Frey. The Frenchman will have to be at his absolute best if Fiorentina were to qualify as each away goals are priceless.

Fiorentina should be given credit for their hard work and decent performance during the first leg. Having gone behind at the end of the first half, Fiorentina did well to level the score through Kroldrup. Even Massimo Gobbi send off they nearly managed to hang onto the draw till Klose break the travelling fans heart at the end of the game.

Fiorentina will be without Massimo Gobbi for the game as he is serving his suspension ban following his red card in the first leg. Sesbastian Frey will start in goal protected by Felipe, Cesare Natali, Kroldrup and Silvestri. Both Kroldrup and Silvestri were rested at the weekend. In midfield, Zanetti, Montolivo, Jovetic/ Bolatti, Vargas and Marchionni are expected to form a strong five man midfield leaving Alberto Gilardino up front as a lone striker.

Louis Van Gaal will hope his side to repeat the same way they did the last time they travelled to Italy as they demolished Juventus 4-1. However Fiorentina has a 100% home record in the Champions League this season, including wins against the likes of Liverpool and Lyon.

Ribery who was on the bench at the weekend against Cologne will be recalled into the starting line-up along Robben who was rested at the wekend. With Demichelis out injured, Van Buyten is likely to partner Badstuder in middle of defense accompanied by Lahm and Contento/ Pranjic protecting Jorg Butt in goal.

In midfield, Van Bommel and Schweinsteiger will feature in a more central position while Ribery and Robben occupy the flanks. Thomas Muller is likely to play an advance midfield position behind lone striker Mario Gomez or Miroslav Klose

Verdict:
With Fiorentina having such a fantastic home record in the Champions League, i believe it will be hard for Bayern to come away with a win. However, Bayern are likely to play a counter-attacking strategy with their main threat from Robben and RIbery on either side of the flanks.

No doubt Fiorentina are a little inconsistent lately, but i believe with home advantage and with the determination to progress to the quarter finals for the first time in almost 40 years, i cant see Fiorentina losing.

Fix Odds Betting:
Fiorentina to win at a price of approx. 2.80

Handicap Betting:
Take Fiorentina on the level ball handicap.(Main Bet)

The Pick :

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

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