Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes is spoilt for choice in his squad, especially going forward. Javi Martinez will be desperate to continue the form he showed for Athletic Bilbao throughout the Basques’ Europa League run in the colours of his new side, and could make an appearance ahead of Luis Gustavo.
Peru international Claudio Pizarro, meanwhile, barely featured at the weekend against Mainz after featuring in two matches for his country, but will hope to feature at some point against Mauricio Pellegrino’s men.
Valencia midfielder Fernando Gago missed out against Celta after suffering a crunching blow to the head while on duty with Argentina, a blow which saw the ex-Roma and Real Madrid star stay in hospital under observation. He returned to Valencia only on Monday evening, and will now miss out against Bayern.
With David Albelda and Ever Banega also on the casualty list, Tino Costa and Daniel Parejo are likely to continue in the middle.
- With five second-place finishes, meanwhile, no team has fallen at the final hurdle as often as the Bavarians.
- Die Roten will be hoping to go one step further than in 2012, after seeing their dreams of a fifth title go up in smoke with a shoot-out defeat at the hands of Chelsea.
- Valencia have never won Europe’s premier club competition; falling at the final hurdle twice, in 1999-00 and 2000-01.
- In 2001, Bayern ended Che dreams of a first Champions League, winning on penalties thanks to a missed kick from current coach Pellegrino (right).
- As well as Bayern Munich, Valencia will take on Lille and BATE Borisov in Group F of the Champions League.