Bayern v Maccabi preview

German giants face elimination

Last updated: 25th November 2009  

Bayern v Maccabi preview

Van Gaal: Staying focused

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Bayern Munich are in danger of going out of the UEFA Champions League ahead of their clash with Maccabi Haifa.

The German giants face elimination after picking up just four points from their opening four games in Group A.

They trail group leaders Bordeaux by six points and are certain to finish behind the French outfit after losing to them both at home and away.

Bayern must therefore overhaul Juventus, who travel to Bordeaux in Wednesday's other match and currently have a four-point cushion in second place.

If Juve fail to beat the French side and Bayern are successful against Maccabi, then the clash between the sides in Italy on 8th December will prove to be a nail-biting decider.

Bayern manager Louis van Gaal recognises that his men are in a perilous position but is just concentrating on picking up three points.

"It's not in our hands any longer, but it's still possible to go through to the knockout phase," said Van Gaal.

"We will focus on our game, not on Bordeaux against Juventus. Haifa have a good team and we will have to concentrate to beat them."

Franck Ribery will again be missing for Bayern due to a knee injury, while striker Luca Toni has a groin problem.

Arjen Robben (knee) is also doubtful, while Hamit Altintop may not recover from a muscular problem in time to feature.

Maccabi news

Maccabi have lost all four of the group games without scoring a single goal but they will be determined to make an impression on the competition.

The Israeli side could still make it through to the Europa League but they would need to secure a famous result in Munich.

"We are very well prepared, mentally and physically," said Maccabi manager Elisha Levi.

"We will concentrate on ourselves. We have shown against Juventus and Bordeaux that we can create chances and we know anything is possible in Munich.

"We haven't been very lucky until now, but we should not feel pressure because of this. We trust in our ability."

Levi will not be able to call on the services of Eyal Golasa (hip), Amir Edri (shoulder) or Jhon Jairo Culma (hamstring).

Gustavo Boccoli is also sidelined with thigh and groin problems, while Jorge Teixeira has injured his back and Tiago Dutra is suspended.

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