Bayern Munich vs Olympique Lyon Champions League 08-09 Preview

After defeating Steaua Bucharest in the Champions league opener 1-0, German club Bayern Munich hosts Olympique Lyonnais on Tuesday (30 September 2008). However, Lyon started their season with a 2-2 home draw with Fiorentina in Champions league. So, the French giants do not afford another defeat in their pursuit to get into the round of 16 in Champions League 2008-2009. Bayern Munich might have won the opening match of Champions league, the German club has been in poor form in German Bundesliga this season.

Match: Bayern Munich vs Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon), Group F, Champions League 2008-2009

Date: 30 September 2008, Tuesday

Venue: Allianz Arena

Kick off: 19:45 BST (British Standard Time)

Bayern Munich’s recent domestic form is poor as the German club lost two of its last two league matches, the recent one being against Hannover 96 1-0. They are currently in the 9^th position with eight points from six matches. Olympique Lyonnais, on the other hand, has been in good form in French League 1. After seven matches, Lyon is leading the point table with 19 points. They have not suffered any league defeat yet. So, in terms of domestic performance, Olympique Lyonnais has much more things than Bayern to be inspired ahead of the visit to Allianz Arena.

French striker Franck Ribery is gearing up to play his first ever Champions league match. The French international has not played in Champions league in his career. However, he is doubtful for the showdown against Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) with injury. The striker came back in action recently after sitting out for three months with ankle injury. However, he is not confirmed for the match against Olympique Lyonnais. Martin Demichelis and Lucio will come back at the heart of Bayern Munich defense. Ze Roberto will be back in the starting line up in place Jose Ernesto Sosa.

Lyon does not have any major injury problem. Rather, manager Claude Puel will find some of the previously injured players available for contention. Brazilian international Juninho has returned to training recently after recovering from groin injury. Ivory Coast international Kader Keita is expected to be back in contention for the first team line up after spending few weeks in the sideline with an arm injury.