Farewell to Mehmet Scholl

Getting 'Comfy'

Barcelona and Bayern Munich meet in this most friendly of games at the Allianz Arena this evening. I say most friendly because the two clubs have always enjoyed very warm relations, historically.

It is difficult to look for one particular reason that has always seen these two sides be comfortable with each other. That said, if there was one, their mutual loathing of Real Madrid would be the one.

Barcelona have become used to siding with Bayern in the Champions League. As for the Bavarians, when it comes to La Liga, it is usually Real Madrid's fiercest rivals that they happily back.

This afternoon's game, which will be played for the Franz Beckenbauer Cup, takes place with such warm relations in the backdrop.

Mehmet Scholl Testimonial

It might have the name of Beckenbauer on it, but the game is in effect a Mehmet Scholl testimonial. The loyal Bayern Munich midfielder decided to hang up his boots at the end of last season, and there couldn't be a better game to wish him well for the future.

"Mehmet Scholl is a legend," said coach Ottmar Hitzfeld. "The Barcelona match will be his last major highlight. He's earned it. He'll always have a place in the fans' hearts."

Beckenbauer also praised the player in his own special way: "I definitely wouldn't have allowed just any old player to have his farewell event at the match for the Franz Beckenbauer Cup."

Barcelona are contractually obliged to field their best possible team during the game, as revealed by Karl-Heinze Rummenigge.

"They’re contractually obliged to appear with their best-available team," he told the club's official website. "Obviously, I have no idea of their line-up yet, but just looking at the names involved, it’ll definitely be a very attractive event at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

"I’m hoping we’ll see the stars, the likes of Ronaldinho, Henry, Messi, Eto’o, Deco and so on. By the way, Barca - not Real, not Chelsea, and not Manchester - remain favourites for the Champions League, in my opinion. For now, Barcelona’s individual class makes them the team to beat in the Champions League."

An All-Star Line-Up

Barcelona have no plans of reneging on the agreement, and have duly taken all their stars to Munich. Deco has just returned from his 'paternity leave', while Lionel Messi has also joined the team following his delayed vacations. Fellow Copa America participants Rafael Marquez and Gabi Milito are also at Rijkaard's disposal.

However, the Dutchman was keen to draw a line under the hype surrounding the game, insisting it was like any other. That said, it is Barcelona's final test ahead of the La Liga kick-off ten days away, and a chance to get themselves ready. For Bayern, there is the small matter of preparing for Saturday's big Bundesliga clash against Werder Bremen.

Barca do have another frienldy lined up - the Joan Gamper trophy clash against Inter Milan - but that takes place after the first round of La Liga action.

Van Bommel Reunion

The game will also see Mark van Bommel line up against his former club, a club with which he spent a very successful year, one in which he won the league title and Champions League double.

He was told the following season that he might not be a first team regular, and subsequently handed a cut-price move to Bayern, but remains close to the Catalan giants.

"It will be weird to play Barça because it is just a year since I left," he said. "I have been following the team since then, I have watched all the games I can and am still in contact with some of the players and coaching staff.

"They have signed Henry, Touré, Abidal and Milito, all very good players that will help the side to win titles. They are capable of it, but last season they were after seven titles and ended up with just two. I think they were unlucky. Against Liverpool, for example."

Comparing the two clubs, he said: "The Bayern and Barça fans are very similar, but Barça has more members. They are two very big clubs that have a lot in common."

TEAM NEWS

Bayern Munich

Bayern have a few injury worries, but almost everybody is pushing hard to be fit for Scholl. One of those players definitely out is young midfielder Jose Ernesto Sosa. Sagnol is another such player.

Miroslav Klose is also doubtful, and might not be risked ahead of the weekend clash against Werder, though it is possible that both he and Luca Toni get a half each.

Valerin Ismael is one of those close to a return to full fitness, and feels ready to make his return following a fractured leg suffered in April. Lucas Podolski is in the final stages of his recovery, and could also play some part towards the end. Jan Schlaudraff and Sagnol are doubtful.

Hitzfeld is expected to change his team completely at the break, playing the likes of Ze Roberto, Ottl, Ribery and Toni in one, and Van Bommel, Schweinsteiger, Altintop and Klose in the other.

Squad List: Kahn, Rensing, Dreher, Lucio, Van Buyten, Lahm, Marcell Jansen, Valerien Ismael, Lell, Demichelis, Ribéry, Altintop, Zé Roberto, Ottl, Van Bommel, Schweinsteiger, Scholl, Wagner, Fürstner, Kroos, Toni, Podolski, Klose, Jan Schlaudraff.

Barcelona

Frank Rijkaard is without four injured players in the form of Puyol, Sylvinho, Edmilson and Gudjohnsen, while Thiago Motta and Santi Ezquerro have been left behind after being 'transfer-listed'. Both have been told to find themselves new clubs, as has Gudjohnsen.

The only other absence is that of young Bojan Krkic, currently with the Spanish under-17 team. Despite the seven absences, Rijkaard still has a 20-strong squad at his disposal. Unlike Hitzfeld, he with give his boys an extended run-out, and field a team that will be very close to the one that will start the La Liga season.

Toure, Iniesta, Xavi, Henry, Eto'o and Ronaldinho can be expected to start, but look for Lionel Messi, Giovani Dos Santos and Deco to come on after the break.

Squad List: Valdés, Jorquera, Henry, Xavi, Ronaldinho, Zambrotta, Iniesta, Eto’o, Belletti, Milito, Abidal, Oleguer, Márquez, Deco, Messi, Touré, Thuram, Marc Crosas, Giovani, Olmo.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

It is difficult to single out one each, but if pushed, I would have to say Franck Ribery and Giovani Dos Santos. Tackling will not be at it's toughest, allowing them to weave their magic without too many fouls. Thierry Henry has been improving through August, and could be another person to watch.

PREDICTION

Results mean precious little in such games, so both sides could score a couple of goals before Bayern sneak it, possibly on penalties.