Barcelona vs Bayern Munich preview: Seven reasons to watch the titanic clash at the Nou Camp

Champions League semi-final kicks off at 7.45pm

(Getty Images)

THE RETURN OF PEP

Having been at the helm in Barcelona’s most trophy laden period ever, it is the first time Pep Guardiola will return to the Nou Camp. Barcelona have never beaten Bayern in a competitive fixture without the help of Pep either as a player or manager.

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The trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar has produced a total of 108 goals and 49 assists so far this season. There were question marks in the summer over whether the trio would be able to work together. Not anymore.

Messi, Suarez and Neymar have scored 108 goals and added 49 assists between them this season (Getty Images)

BAYERN PRESSURE

The dominant side in German football, only winning the treble is seen as a successful season for Bayern since Jupp Heynckes achieved the feat in the 2012-13 season. Having lost to Dortmund in the German Cup, Guardiola is under huge pressure to win his first Champions League as Munich boss and at least secure the double.

XAVI’S LAST YEAR?

One of the greatest playmakers to have graced the game, the youth product has won a total of 25 career titles. However, due to the signing of Ivan Rakitic and emergence of yet more youngsters such as Sergi Roberto, the now 35-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, and will want to end it with a fourth Champions League medal.

IS LUIS THE NEW PEP?

Replacing Guardiola as manager of Barcelona had proven to be a difficult task until they hired former player Luis Enrique in the summer. After question marks over their style of football earlier on in the season, the team now looks like the Barcelona of old and could see Enrique with a treble in his first year as head coach. Enrique boasts a greater win percentage than Guardiola did at the same stage in his managerial stint as Barca boss.

POSSESSION IS NINE-TENTHS OF THE LAW

The two best sides in Europe at keeping the ball, it will be fascinating to see who has more possession. Will either manager go against their philosophies and concede the majority of the possession to the other side or will it be a battle for the ball throughout?

Bayern were brilliant in beating Porto in the quarter-final (Getty Images)

TOUCHLINE ANTICS

Both managers are as frantic on the touchline as the players on the pitch. Watching them shout, scream, wave and seemingly lose the plot would provide a good night’s entertainment on its own.