FC BASEL v BAYERN MUNICH
Football : Europe : Champions League
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012, 7:45PM GMT

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PREVIEW

Bayern Munich are heavy favourites to progress from their tie against Swiss side Basel but this game isn't going to be a cake walk. Bayern Munich have not been performing well away from home of late, and this is the Champions League knockout stage. Basel are here because they have kicked some butt over 6 games.

Just to demonstrate the nature of Munich's game at the moment, I should point out that Bayern were held to a scoreless draw at Freiburg this weekend, a team at the wrong end of the Bundesliga and one that suffered a 7-0 thrashing in September when they were the travelling side. The result means Bayern Munich still have just 1 away win in 2012!

Basel don't have any pressure on them as they are expected to get thrashed over 2 legs. They do have the chance at a huge upset though, but warmed up for it with a 2-2 draw in league action, against Young Boys. The result meant they extended their unbeaten run to 13, but they now have 3 straight draws.

The big absentee for Bayern Munich is Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is unavailable with ankle ligament damage. He is added to the injured list along with Diego Contento, who has a broken toe, and Daniel Van Buyten, out with the old metatarsal injury. Basel will be without a few players too but nothing too serious.

Alex Frei is one I always keep an eye out as the striker has a habit of making me money by scoring. Switzerlands record scorer has also been Ligue 1 top scorer in his career, and knows Bayern well as he used to play for Dortmund before moving back to his home town. Consider having a little punt on him to score if you fancy a wee flutter. The odds are good - 3.40 at Bet365

BETTING VERDICT

I'm going to give respect to the side that knocked out Manchester United in the group stage. I know Bayern are a powerhouse, and that my record in the Champions League is terrible this month, but I'll take the draw.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Draw

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take the Draw @ 4.00 (Bet365)