Two of Europe's giants will face off in what promises to be an enthralling encounter as Bayern Munich and Barcelona look to outdo each other in the Champions League semifinals.
Lionel Messi and his fitness has been a major talking point, and Barcelona assistant manager Jordi Roura said the signs are looking good towards the Argentine making it to the starting lineup against Bayern at the Allianz Arena.
"Messi is improving and is getting better but we will have to see what the doctor says," Roura told reporters. "He is a great player because he can dictate games. We hope he will be fine tomorrow (Tuesday).
"The team plays better because of a player like Messi and he can be decisive in matches. It would be important to have him on the pitch but we have showed often enough that we also can win without him."
Bayern manager Jupp Heynckes has no doubts about the fact that Messi will start the game for Barca. "Of course I guess Messi will play," the Bayern boss said. "For us Barca are not just Messi.
"Barca have a team of many top players. There is (Andres) Iniesta, who is a great player -- he was European player of the year -- and look at (Gerard) Pique, Xavi (Hernandez), etc. They have a great potential and we are preparing to face an absolute top-class team."
Pep Guardiola, who managed Barcelona with so much success before taking a sabbatical last year, is set to take over at Bayern next season, but Heynckes insisted he has not asked for any advice from the Spaniard.
"I have respect for Pep Guardiola and we have a very good relationship," Heynckes added. "This match will not affect this. I don't need any information from anyone. I know Spanish football, I know Barca and I know my own team very well."
Barcelona defender Adriano is suspended, while Javier Mascherano and Carles Puyol are sidelined. Bayern do not have too many new injury worries, but will have to do without suspended striker Mario Mandzukic. Toni Kroos and Holger Badstuber are out long-term.
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Expected lineups: Bayern Munich: Neuer; Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba; Martinez, Schweinsteiger; Robben, Muller, Ribery; Gomez.
Barcelona: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Bartra, Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Pedro, Messi, Villa.
Prediction: 2-1 to Bayern Munich.
