Bayern Munich desperately need a win over Maccabi Haifa if they want to keep any chance of surviving this year's Champions League group phase.
With just four points from their first four group games, things aren't looking good for Bayern. At the domestic level it doesn't look any better as the Bavarians are currently in seventh place in the Bundesliga, with pressure mounting on manager Louis van Gaal.
Maccabi Haifa are no longer a candidate for a spot in the next round but may still dream of advancing to the Europa League. Maccabi are in great shape in their domestic league, occupying first place after having won all of their first ten games.
Bayern earned three of their four points in this group from their away match to Maccabi, as the Germans won that game 0-3.
Van Gaal will have to do without the injured Franck Ribery, Luca Toni and Breno for this match. Arjen Robben may well return after missing the league game with Leverkusen.
Maccabi have an elaborate list of absentees, as Amir Edri, Jhon Jairo Culma, Eyal Golasa, Gustavo Boccoli and Jorge Teixeira are all certainly sidelined.
Bayern are strongly favored to win this match, and although their shape has not been impressive lately, the difference of skill and experience should really be a deciding factor.
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