Champions League preview: Marseille v Bayern Munich

28 March 2012 05:26

Marseille must try to shake off an eight-game winless streak as they prepare for their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.

The club from the French south coast have not won since their round of 16 first leg against Inter Milan as they have plummeted to ninth in Ligue 1.

In fact, in that eight-game period, Marseille lost seven in a row, ending that run with a 1-1 draw against Nice on Saturday.

Playing away from home, Didier Deschamps' side threw away a one-goal lead when Nice defender Luciano Monzon's penalty cancelled out Andre Ayew's goal.

Ayew is the clear star in Deschamps' squad, providing creativity, speed and goals from midfield.

The 22-year-old Ghana international has been crucial in the Champions League, having scored four goals for Marseille, including the late winner in Marseille's 1-0 victory over Inter on February 22.

Marseille face a tough test to continue their European adventure, with Bayern especially keen to make the final because it will be played at their home stadium in Munich in May.

Bayern are in ominous form having scored over six goals in three of their past five matches, including a 7-0 demolition of Basel in their Champions League round of 16 second leg.

Jupp Heynckes' team is second in the Bundesliga and trail Borussia Dortmund by five points.

Bayern beat Hannover 2-1 on Sunday thanks to goals from Toni Kroos and Mario Gomez.

Gomez has had a brilliant season, averaging a goal a game for Bayern across all competitions, including 10 goals in seven Champions League matches.

The 26-year-old striker scored four against Basel and will be looking forward to taking on a Marseille side that has conceded an average of two goals per game over their last four matches.