Preview: Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Bayern Munich

The Champions League holds many happy memories for Pep Guardiola from his time in charge of Barcelona, but it was the source of much disappointment during his first campaign at the helm of Bayern Munich last term.

The Germans looked to be on course to become the first team to defend the title, only to be humiliated 5-0 on aggregate by Real Madrid at the semi-final stage.

This time around, Guardiola's men have reached the final 16 of the competition with relative ease, winning five and losing just one of their six group games.

Following the Bundesliga's winter break, Bayern restarted with a defeat and a draw, but on Saturday they showed that they are back on top form by thumping Hamburg 8-0 at the Allianz Arena. It was the Bavarian side's biggest winning margin for some 30 years.

In terms of team selection for the trip to Ukraine, Guardiola may be without Xabi Alonso because of a hamstring complaint, while captain Philipp Lahm, Javi Martinez and Thiago Alcantara remain sidelined.

As for hosting Shakhtar Donetsk, who have not played a competitive fixture since December, Taras Stepanenko will play no part because of suspension, but the Champions League's leading goalscorer this year, Luiz Adriano, is fit to lead the attack.

The Miners have not always fared too well against German teams on their own turf, having won just two of their six matches.

However, they can take some solace from the fact that Bayern have struggled on their four previous visits to Ukraine, winning just once and losing twice.

Shakhtar:

Form in Champions League: DDWWLD Form in all competitions: DWLWWD

Possible starting lineup: Pyatov; Srna, Ordets, Rakitskiy, Shevchuk; Teixeira, Bernard, Costa, Fernando; Adriano, Taison

Bayern:

Form in Champions League: WWWWLW Form in all competitions: WWLDWW

Possible starting lineup: Neuer; Bernat, Benatia, Boateng, Rafinha; Schweinsteiger, Alaba, Muller, Robben, Ribery; Lewandowski

Sports Mole says: 1-2