Assessing Bayern Munich's Chances in the Knockout Phase of the Champions League

The draw for the knockout phase of the Champions League will take place on Friday, the 18th of December. The seven potential opponents of Bayern, are, in a very polite sense, not nice.

Bayern have only themselves to blame, because despite all that drama against Juve, they might as well have shown up against Bordeaux. They then might have topped the group and could potentially get an easier draw. Let's take a look at how Bayern would fare against any of their potential opponents:

1. Manchester United - If Man United supporters ask us "civil" Bayern supporters whether they remember 1999, we will just point to 2001 and the AUDI Cup this year. Bayern beat Man United 3-1 on aggregate in the quarterfinals en route to their last European trophy in 2001. Also, this year, just as a little reminder, in preseason, Bayern beat United 7-6 on penalties in the final of the AUDI Cup.

Moving on to current situations, both teams are strong, but Man United have been weakened slightly with the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo whereas Bayern appear to be stronger as their new signings are finally starting to appear in the German newspapers for all the right reasons.

It would be great watching two old enemies fight it out, and overall, Man United will not be the worst possible draw for Bayern. However, Bayern have to show up if they are to get the better of their old rivals.

2. Real Madrid - In recent years, Bayern have been sort of a bogey team for Real. Michel Salgado, who currently plays for Blackburn, will definitely tell you all about it. For me, when someone mentions Real, it brings to my mind Roy Maakay's goal, which is the fastest in Champions League history (10.3 seconds just for the record).

The prospect of facing Real Madrid during the second era of the Galacticos is rather nerve- wrecking. However, with Pepe out, FC Bayern might just see an opening. Real Madrid won't be a highly disappointing draw, because, on their day, I wouldn't  count out FCB easily.

3. Chelsea - One advantage that Bayern will have against Chelsea which some teams might not have, is that they can be as physical as Chelsea, if not more. Just ask Van Bommel and Thomas Muller. Almost all of the Bayern players can be physical, even Philipp Lahm. Mario Gomez can easily come up face to face with John Terry in terms of being physical.

Initially, I wanted Bayern to avoid Chelsea, but looking at Bayern's current situation, Chelsea won't be a horrible draw altogether.

4. Fiorentina - Just last season, Bayern faced Fiorentina in the Champions League. They won 3-0 and drew 1-1 in their two encounters in the group stage. A team that beats Liverpool should not be counted out easily though. Fiorentina are a good side and Bayern would really have to careful. Fiorentina are perhaps a tricky opponent.

Yet, due to having played them about only a year ago, Bayern would have more knowledge about their opponent's style than they would about other opponents other than Barcelona. Fiorentina would not be a bad draw for FCB.

5. FC Barcelona - The opponents that every Bayern supporter would want their team to avoid is FC Barcelona. (1860 Munchen would be delighted, though, if Bayern drew Barcelona.)  The memories of April are fresh in everyone's minds and the worst possible draw, undoubtedly for Bayern would be Barcelona.

Then again, if Louis Van Gaal can get his tactics right against one of his former clubs and provided that Bayern show up, FC Bayern could have a five percent chance of making it against their opponents from Catalonia.

6. Sevilla - The Spaniards are not to be taken lightly. They sailed through their group and, from matchday one, it was quite easy to understand that in their group, only the second spot would be up for grabs. They won the UEFA Cup in style in 2007, beating Espanyol in the final, 3-0.

Once again, Sevilla are a rather tricky opponent. In recent years, Bayern have played Real, Barca, Getafe and Valencia. There is not much history between Bayern and Sevilla and because Bayern haven't played Sevilla in recent times, Sevilla will have the "element of surprise" in them.

7. Arsenal - The tie will depend more on Arsenal than on Bayern. The relations between the two clubs aren't the best due to a recent spat between Arsene Wenger and the Bayern board, relating to Cesc Fabregas. If Arsenal show up, all guns blazing, they can easily gun down Bayern. However, since Bayern can be physical, the tie could turn out to favour Bayern.

On a more personal note, I would hate to see Bayern and Arsenal drawn against each other, because I support both of these clubs, and I would have a hard time choosing who to support.

Finally, which club do you think would be the most favourable draw for Bayern? In my case, any draw which does not pit Bayern against Real Madrid and Barcelona would be welcome...