Holders with something to prove

They might be on top of the world following their success in the European/South American Cup against Club Atlético Boca Juniors last week but FC Bayern München believe they are a team with something to prove tonight when they take on FC Nantes Atlantique.

Elber on the bench
Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, who has taken the surprise decision to leave Giovane Elber on the bench, has urged the UEFA Champions League title holders to regain some pride after a poor run in the 1. Bundesliga, losing lose twice in their last three outings. Hitzfeld was clearly unhappy after last weekend’s away defeat away by Hertha BSC Berlin, saying: "You have to be critical after such a performance, we made too many defensive mistakes." Turning to the Group A clash, Hitzfeld added: “"We absolutely need a good result."

Omens not good for Bayern
To make good Hitzfeld’s wish Bayern have first to defy recent history which has brought their only blemishes in a long run of success in the competition on French soil. They have lost just twice in 24 Champions League matches – against Olympique Lyonnais and Paris Saint-Germain FC last season. And they will not be surprised to find Nantes especially motivated for this clash after they took exception to Oliver Kahn’s assertion after the second group stage draw that he would have preferred to have been in a section boasting more quality.

Denoueix hits back
Nantes coach Raynald Denoueix has urged his team to make Bayern pay for those words. "Whether they take us seriously or not, I don't mind," he said. "It is obvious we don't prevent them from sleeping but we are not going to be shocked by that kind of comment."

Kahn missing
As it happens, Kahn is unable to take part in tonight’s game after hurting a knee while Stefan Effenberg is another absentee because of groin injury. Stefan Wessels plays in goal while Effenberg is replaced by Nico Kovac. Thorsten Fink and Carsten Jancker are the replacements for Elber and Hasan Salihamidzic.

Three changes for Nantes
Once again Nantes will be looking to leave behind their domestic form when they make the step up in class. They remain at the foot of the French league, though they have picked up of late with successive victories for the first time since the start of the season and progress in the French League Cup. "Of course, it will be a difficult game, they are the holders and we are bottom of the French league," said Denoueix. He has made three changtes from the side that began this stage with a single-goal away defeat by Boavista FC, bringing in Olivier Quint, Stéphane Ziani and Charles Devineau.