Bayern Munich face their toughest test so far this year in the Champions League as they host Juventus in their quarterfinal first leg match today at the Allianz Arena.
Bayern Munich vs. Juventus, 2013 UEFA Champions League: Time and TV schedule
Both sides earned big wins over the weekend but it looks like Bayern’s roster is in a bit better shape going into their Champions League first leg match.
Lennart Preiss
More from our team blogs: FC Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works Juventus blog Black & White & Read All Over
Bayern boss Jupp Heynckes rested several starters over the weekend and it didn't seem to slow them down much in their 9-2 win over Hamburg. It's also preferable to be able to rest stars and still get a massive momentum building victory when you're heading into a Champions League week.
Juventus on the other hand went with a full strength lineup against Inter Milan and there are concerns over how Andrea Pirlo will handle the short turnaround.
Three Juventus players; Stephan Lichtsteiner, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio, would all miss the second leg if they pick up a yellow card in today's match. Bayern's Dante and Philipp Lahm are in the same danger.
Bayern Munich injuries and suspensions
Out: Javi Martinez (suspended), Holger Badstuber (knee).
Juventus injuries and suspensions
In Doubt: Sebastian Giovinco (ankle), Mirko Vucinic (illness).
Mirko Vucinic should be available after missing the Derby d'Italia due to a fever. Giovinco's status is in doubt thanks to victime of a rough tackle that earned Esteban Cambiasso a red card. Javi Martinez is serving a suspension so Luiz Gustavo is expected to start in his place.
Match Date/Time: 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
TV: Fox Sports Net (Regional), Fox Soccer Plus (U.S.), Sky Sports 2 (U.K.), Sportsnet (Canada)
Online: FOX Soccer 2 Go (U.S.)
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