One of the Champions League semi finals brings up a match between two teams known for their very much alike play style. The match of the week is between Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

Champions League Semi Finals 1st Leg
Allianz Arena
23-04-2013 @ 19.45 UK

How are the two teams form?

The home side, Bayern Munich, won the Deutsche 1. Bundesliga weeks ago and is currently finishing the season in style. Saturday, the German champions, won a convincing victory of 6-1 against Hannover 96 and are currently unbeaten in 21 matches.

The away side, the Spanish giants Barcelona, are currently 1st in the La Liga 13 points ahead of rivals Real Madrid. Barcelona is unbeaten in their last 6 matches, and will soon be able to lift the La Liga trophy once again. 

The last meeting between Bayern Munich and Barcelona was a friendly match in 2011, in which Munich pulled out as winners. The two teams have met before in the Champions League quarterfinal where Barcelona won 5-1 over two matches.

What is the probable starting XI's?

While Barcelona has announced Messi ready for the match, Bayern has ensured that Schweinsteiger is fit enough to play.

Neuer

Lahm - Buyten - Dante - Alaba

Martínez - Schweinsteiger

Robben - Müller - Ribéry

Gómez
--------------------------------------

Pedro - Messi - Sánchez 

Xavi - Busquets - Iniesta

Alves - Piqué - Bartra - Alba

Valdés

What to expect from this match?

Bayern Munich have only lost one home match in this years Champions League; the 0-2 against Arsenal. The statistic speaks for itself - Bayern Munich is favorites at Allianz Arena - also against Barcelona. That said, Barcelona is a brilliant team and comparing the two squads, which both contains super stars the Catalans can cause heavily damage against Munich.

Both are great when it comes to ball possession, and it will be decisive which of the teams that get control of the match from the start. We can probably expect two attacking teams and a lot of chances. However, the real battle will be on the midfield!

What are the odds?

Most of the bookmakers have Bayern Munich as favorites for Tuesday evening. Paddy Power and Ladbrokes presents the best odds on a Munich victory with a 13/10, while Bet365 gives back a 5/2 if Barcelona wins. Youwin gives a 51/20 for a draw.