Pep Guardiola knows Barcelona from the inside out. Being one of the most analytic coaches out there, he surely has concocted a plan to defeat his former pupils in order to get Bayern Munich to the next round. But first of all, how should he start against Los Blaugranas? Should he take an offensive approach, risking his team? Or will Pep take a more conservative tactic, and wait for Los Blaugranas to slip? With an injury-depleted side, it seems Guardiola's options are few, but his greatness may indicate otherwise. Let's analyze how the laureated coach could line up his team to damage Barcelona the most.
Three or four men in Bayern's defense?
Manuel Neuer's spot guarding the net is safe, since he is, quite frankly, the best in the world. Here's where Bayern's struggles with injuries start, since David Alaba and Holger Badstuber are out of commission. Guardiola could choose to start with three center backs, with Mehdi Benatia, Jerome Boateng and Rafinha as the three men in the back. If Guardiola chooses a four-men formation, Philipp Lahm will surely be used as a right back, with Benatia and Boateng as center backs. Rafinha, would be the man in the left flank, or he could switch sides with Lahm, although the Bavarian captain has not played that position recently.
Benatia and Boateng have partnered up just fine during their first season as team-mates.
Midfield: Here lies the key to Bayern's success
From his days with Barcelona, Guardiola knows that Messi should be stopped before he gains speed with his deadly diagonal dribbles. With that in mind, the Bavarian boss has stated Juan Bernat will be in charge of holding Messi for as much time as possible. Thiago Alcantara and Xabi Alonso will be helping him with that duty. If Lahm is used as a holding midfielder, he could provide Mario Gotze or even Thiago the chance to cooperate with offensive efforts, while Bernat, Alonso and Lahm take defensive duties. Javi Martinez is also an option for Guardiola after recovering from an injury, but he's just getting back in shape, and a match as demanding as this one could prove to be quite complicated for him to handle.
Alonso, Lahm and Thiago celebrate Xabi's goal against Porto.
Strikers: Who could damage Barcelona?
Trying to provide some rest to his starters, Guardiola had a couple of strikers making their debuts during last Saturday's game against Bayer Leverkusen. With Thomas Müller and Robert Lewandowski making the trip to Catalunya, it's yet to be seen how much time both will be on the pitch. The Polish striker will be wearing a protective mask if he is used by Pep, but his presence in the 18-man squad almost assures his presence in the Starting XI. With Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben out due to injuries, Mario Götze will take playmaking duties under his arm. Claudio Pizarro is more likely to enjoy some playing time as a substitute.
Robert Lewandowski wearing the protective mask provided by Bayern's medical team.
Bayern's projected Starting XI: Neuer; Benatia, Boateng, Rafinha; Lahm, Alonso, Thiago, Bernat; Götze, Müller, Lewandowski (3-4-2-1)
