Team News: Xabi Alonso returns for Bayern Munich

Xabi Alonso has been named in the Bayern Munich starting lineup for the Champions League tie against Juventus.

The veteran midfielder was only a substitute when the two sides met in Turin last month, but he is back in the team this evening.

Elsewhere, Franck Ribery has been handed a midfield role, while Thiago Alcantara and Mario Gotze have had to settle for places on the bench.

As for visiting Juve, former Bayern striker Mario Mandzukic has only been deemed fit enough to start the game as a substitute.

That means Alvaro Morata will spearhead the attack, while the likes of Alex Sandro and Paul Pogba will feature in advanced midfield roles.

Bayern Munich: Neuer; Lahm, Benatia, Kimmich, Alaba; Alonso, Vidal; Costa, Muller, Ribery; Lewandowski Subs: Ulreich, Thiago, Rafinha, Bernat, Gotze, Rode, Coman

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra; Cuadrado, Khedira, Hernanes, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Morata Subs: Neto, Rugani, Asamoah, Sturaro, Pereyra, Mandzukic, Zaza

Follow Sports Mole's live text coverage of the encounter at the Allianz Arena here.