Bayern Munich 2-1 Manchester United
KO: 7.45pm (GMT)
Venue: Allianz Arena
Verdict: Are Bayern Munich a bogey team for Manchester United? Matches against Bayern Munich have not been the happiest of events for the three-time European Cup/Champions League winners.
They have beaten the four-time European Cup/Champions League winners just once in their history and that was in the infamous Champions League final win in Barcelona in 1999. Many who watched a strong Munich side go 1-0 up and seemingly cruising will agree that the Germans have traditionally been the stronger side - with the bigger tradition, which will surprise a global football crowd brought up on Premier League football, but not those who have witnessed Germany play football internationally.
However, there have been wobbles for the Germans this season, and they are clearly nervous: it is very unlike the confident president Franz Beckenbauer's to admit that the Germans are frightened of Wayne Rooney.
They have good reason to be, and one wonders whether Bayern have the organisational skill to contain him. Normally, a one-man team will pose few problems for the German giants, but coach Luis Van Gaal is not so sure - although he is sure his side will have that organisational sense soon. Their weakness showed in their capitulation to Stuttgart (1-2 from 1-0 up) at the weekend which lost them the top spot.
And, while Man Utd are distracted by Chelsea next weekend, Munich are still fighting themselves on three fronts, so next weekend's exertions hold no advantage for either.
In the end, this game comes down to perception, and the betting markets tell a fascinating story. Perhaps the most interesting is that Bayern Munich are the same price to qualify as they are to win this game (11/5), which suggests that the bookies think they need to win this game to qualify, and nobody expects them to qualify.
I'm not sure that's necessarily true - though I do believe that the 11/5 on Bayern to qualify will be bigger come the return leg. And that does not negate their chances at Old Trafford, either.
Advice: 1pt draw at 23/10 (3.3 at Coral and totesport)

Lyon 3-1 Bordeaux
KO: 7.45pm (GMT)
Venue: Stade Gerland
Verdict: While there is absolutely no doubt that Bordeaux are indeed a force to be reckoned with, I believe that Lyon are coming back to their best and - along with their understanding of what it takes to win at this level - should pip Bordeaux over two legs.
This is the first of two fixtures between the clubs in seven days - and it is likely to be very gritty considering there is little love lost between the two. Lyon are still smarting from Bordeaux taking their crown away from them, while the two teams have been winding each other up all week in the French press about fixture congestion.
Bordeaux beat Lyon at Stade Gerland in December, but that was a different side to the Lyon outfit that has lost to just Marseille (the best team in the league as both these will attest in the last three weeks) since January.
That was a borefest, but Bordeaux may be surprised by Lyon's improvement. And that could make the tie for Lyon
Advice: 2pts Lyon to win at 6/5 (2.2 at Boylesports, BlueSq, 888sport)

Wednesday March 31 2010