Champions League: 5 factors that will decide Juventus vs. Bayern Munich

Can Massimiliano Allegri lead Juventus to another final?This week sees the Champions League action resume with another round-of-last-16 matches and Juventus' battle against Bayern Munich is undoubtedly one of the most exciting fixtures to come.It's shaping up to be a great contest between two giants of European football and with plenty of meaty angles to focus on there's certainly lots for spectators to sink their teeth into.Massimiliano Allegri's men will be eager to capitalise on home advantage with a win while Bayern should look to impose themselves as they normally do. It's not quite a case of unstoppable force meets immovable object but this is a clash of two heavyweights and while we can expect plenty of exciting sparring we'll just have to wait and see who lands the knockout blow.Until then, let's examine the five key factors that could decide the tie:

#5 Much depends on the Italians\' self-belief

The Italians have been in great form in Serie A

It's do or die time in Europe's elite competition. Things are hotting up, the stakes are dangerously high and the tensions are rising by the minute – this is the stage where the weak are separated from the strong.

There aren't many clubs who can dictate games against the best team in Germany but when it comes to knockout football teams are often forced to show their hand. The response from both sides will be interesting but it's perhaps Juve who will need to take the tie by the scruff of the neck if they are to come away with a positive result.

With the home crowd roaring them on in the heat of battle, Allegri’s charges will feel extra confident and having reached the final last season, they really shouldn't fear anyone, including Bayern.

In their last seven Serie A matches, they have kept a clean sheet whilst simultaneously scoring 13 goals so they've looked as close to perfection as anybody. Whether or not they can build on those foundations with some feisty self-belief remains to be seen.

#4 Robert Lewandowski

The Poland international is one of the best players in world football and there's no sign of the 27-year-old hitting a barren run in front of goal.

It's easy to forget that Die Roten spent just under £5 million on acquiring his services a few years ago because he's become a figure of attraction for clubs with expensive taste due to the fact he's been banging in the goals for fun ever since he arrived.

With seven Champions League goals to his name this term, he is well on his way to challenging Cristiano Ronaldo for the competition's golden boot.

A danger for almost every team he ever faces, it has become a taxing task trying to stop him from testing the goalkeeper for even the most accomplished of defenders.

That said, for the rest of us, his exploits in and around the 18-yard box are a feast for the eyes so whatever happens on the night it's sure to be exciting watching him strut his stuff. A domineering talent, his exceptional ability to rattle the back of the net is something we could very well see.

#3 Pep Guardiola\'s tactics in the face of injuries

Can Guardiola get the better of Allegri?

It's no secret that Pep Guardiola is a master tactician but he's going to have to really prove his genius in the face of so many injury blows for the midweek clash and it's the defensive side of his planning that will need some extra thought in the build-up.

The reigning German champions pack a real punch on the offensive but it's their back-line that can clearly be identified as a weak point.

A number of important performers are on the treatment table and will be unavailable for the match. Already, Holger Badstuber, Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez are unavailable which means Guardiola's defensive ideas will need to be re-shaped and tinkered with in time for kick-off.

Aspiring coaches, admirers and Bayern supporters will anxiously await his next move but if anyone can find a way to paper over the cracks of their rearguard it is Guardiola.

#2 Bayern\'s performance away from home

Bayern Munich — Bayern had lost their tie to Arsenal at the Emirates

Pep Guardiola's team have only conceded three goals in this season's Champions League, which is an undoubtedly impressive statistic, something which goes a long way to outlining just how important their nerve at the back will prove to be.

Interestingly, it was against Arsenal that they conceded all three strikes and they've clearly learned from those two group matches because they've not let a goal slip on the continental stage in their last three matches.

The Bundesliga side might be marginal favourites for this encounter but they are sure to come under fire throughout Tuesday's big clash and their defence will need to be in tip-top condition to keep out the offensive threat that the Old Lady currently carry.

They recently set a new home record on the domestic front, but away from home the pressure will be intense and even the most insignificant of errors run the risk of being punished to maximum effect. After all, although it’s not a very noticeable frailty, there have been chinks in their armour away from home in a variety of competitions – the previous four consecutive matches they failed to earn a win from all came away from the comfort of their backyard.

Against arguably one of the best teams they have faced this year, the visitors might well be stifled away from home again.

#1 Paulo Dybala\'s goal-scoring ability

A win for the Bianconeri would be a massive result, but it's certainly not as far-fetched as some would have you believe. Flying high in the Serie A, Juve have been the stand-out team in the Italian top-flight since early November and have done well to dust off the cobwebs of their early-season slump.

Backed by the goals and offensive flair of Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata in particular, they have been a joy to watch in recent weeks. Sure, they stuttered to a draw against Bologna in the league recently to see their 13-match winning streak come to an end but it's arguable that they had one eye on this upcoming Champions League clash.

Watching 22-year-old Dybala in full flight one gets the impression that he could flourish into one of the club's greatest ever stars but before he can claim a place alongside the legends of its past he'll have to win some silverware and, equally as importantly, put teams of the calibre of Bayern to the sword.

In all this season, the starlet has pocketed 16 goals and he'll be looking to build on that tally against a potentially shaky Bayern defence despite the fact he hasn't scored in the UCL this season. Tuesday provides him with a great opportunity to do precisely that and with his shooting boots well and truly on he'll be a massive threat.