My disappointment in the result of Hamburg vs. Bayern, was only overshadowed by my disappointment in a certain television channel‘s--- rhymes with “MoleTV”--- coverage of the match. What in God’s name possessed them to switch over to the beginning of a Barcelona match (against who?) when they had the ability to at least show a split screen?! Gah!

And now we face Juventus…

A caveat: I have to admit being sour on most Italians as a general rule (sorry, Luca!)---- BUT, that comes from my experience in Rome, during the Champions League final, last May, and the horrid reputation they have, with me and many other ladies, during the Oktoberfest in Munich. I’ll tell you about both, if you’d like. And that’s not even mentioning a little semi-final match in 2006... (Now I’m sure I’ve upset the entire Italian Bayern Munich fan contingent. Sorry, boys. All two of you.)

I digress.

Juventus is loaded.

Diego and Del Piero are both available. And I’m sure Diego, the former Werder Bremen player, will be ready to impress in his first trip back in to Germany. Buffon in goal, Trezeguet up front, and Felipe Melo in the midfield will all contribute to a balanced, sharp Juventus team.

Last 5 results: W-D-W-D-D

Bayern, however, is loaded as well.

With the exceptions of van Bommel and Demichelis, we’re fully stocked. We are so fully stocked that Luca Toni will be sitting up in the stands. (Again, sorry, Luca! At least the seats are comfy?)

If I were going to take a stab at the starting line-up, I’d say: Butt. Lahm-van Buyten-Badstuber-Braafheid. Robben-Tymoshchuk-Schweinsteiger-Ribery. Gomez-Olic(?). Although, personally, I’d substitute Pranjic for Braafheid and I’d probably start Klose over Gomez (though neither one has been that impressive to me).

Last 5 results: W-W-W-W-L

My prediction? Bayern goes down 1-0 in the first half, as per usual. But, van Gaal works his magic in the locker room at the half, and Bayern wins 2-1.