Bayern's plan of attack

Easier draw
Locked on nine points with Juventus, the German champions are desperate to overhaul their Italian counterparts and seal first place in the section to secure, theoretically at least, a more straighforward draw in the first knockout round. "If we manage to score an early opener, we will not just sit back and relax - we will continue to apply the pressure because we need a convincing result to top the group," said Bayern coach Felix Magath, well aware that the Bianconeri's goal difference of plus four is twice that of his side.

'Good shape'
Magath, though, was keen not to dismiss the chances of Rapid - without a point in a group they are already resigned to propping up - causing an upset in Bavaria, even though Bayern pocketed a 1-0 victory in Austria on Matchday 1. "We know it's not easy to win any Champions League game so our immediate priority is to collect three points, and then start thinking about how many goals we might score," he said. "I expect Rapid to be stronger than in our first meeting. They're in good shape at the moment and there's not one Austrian who doesn't want to beat a German. That's enough motivation for them."

Famous win
It certainly is. When told of Bayern's desire to keep the scoreboard ticking over on Tuesday, Rapid coach Josef Hickersberger - who will assume control of Austria's national team on 1 January - was keen to recall a famous FIFA World Cup tussle between the two countries. "This really reminds me of Cordoba at Argentina '78," he said. "The Germans thought they would beat us 5-0 to reach the final, but in the end they lost 3-2. Austrian football lives in the shadow of such glories, and tomorrow we have a chance to change that."

Midfield blows
Hickersberger's hopes have been boosted by injuries to three of Bayern's first-choice midfielders. Playmaker Michael Ballack seems certain to miss out with a thigh injury, while schemer Mehmet Scholl is definitely unavailable with a similar ailment. Winger Zé Roberto could yet overcome a muscle strain, although Germany starlet Philipp Lahm is available after recovering from a cruciate injury. "Martin [Demichelis] is also likely to play," said Magath of the man who recently became an Argentinian international.

'Major advantage'
"I know all of those players very well and the absence of Bayern's skilful midfield trio is a major advantage," Hickersberger said. "I'm relieved none of them will be on the pitch on Tuesday, especially Ballack who could have caused us a lot of problems; he is a truly world-class player." Rapid captain Steffen Hofmann was not of the same opinion. "I was really looking forward to coming up against Ballack," said the 25-year-old German, a former Bayern reserve.

Proud record
Rapid are without injured duo Axel Lawaree (ankle) and Marcin Adamski (calf), yet remain confident of doing themselves justice at the Fußball Arena München. "We're not here for a holiday - we want to win," said Hofmann, while Hickersberger concluded: "We're aware that they haven't lost a match at this new stadium and that's our challenge. We know it's always hard to beat Bayern but anybody who thinks that my players will not fight for the complete 90 minutes does not know them." A victory of any sort, be it 1-0 or five, would see Bayern advance if Club Brugge KV fail to win at Juve.