PARIS, Feb 13, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - Bayern Munich take on Paris Saint-Germain

in the Champions League last 16, a heavyweight clash between clubs who faced
off in the 2020 final.

AFP Sport looks at some of the key match-ups which could determine where the
tie is won and lost ahead of Tuesday's first leg:

- Christophe Galtier v Julian Nagelsmann -

After a strong start domestically, PSG's form has dropped off considerably
since the turn of the year and coach Galtier finds himself entering a
critical stretch of the season without Kylian Mbappe.

The France star, the joint-leading scorer in this season's Champions League
with seven goals, will miss the first leg with a thigh injury and there are
concerns over Lionel Messi too after the Argentine hurt his hamstring during
Wednesday's 2-1 loss to Marseille in the French Cup.

With Neymar yet to rediscover his best form since the World Cup either,
Galtier must devise a plan that will allow a diminished PSG -- whose squad
was also hit by a stomach bug at the weekend -- to avoid another European
disappointment.

Bayern appeared to have turned the corner after going through what their
coach Nagelsmann called a "results crisis" following three straight draws
last month.

The 35-year-old Nagelsmann has also been hindered by injuries to key players
but the club brought in cover in January and expectations remain as high as
ever in Bavaria.

- Gianluigi Donnarumma v Yann Sommer -

The Italy goalkeeper made a costly error as PSG were dumped out by Real
Madrid in the last 16 a year ago but is now entrenched as their first-choice
goalkeeper.

PSG twice reached at least the semi-finals with Keylor Navas in goal before
the arrival of Donnarumma, whose signing was intended to help the French
champions win Europe's biggest club prize.

Bayern have signed Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer as a replacement for
Manuel Neuer, who will miss the rest of the season after breaking his leg
while skiing in December.

Sommer, 34, has past Champions League experience with Borussia
Moenchengladbach and Basel but the scrutiny will be much sharper with the
six-time European champions.

- Germany trio v Verratti -

Bayern figure to have the advantage in midfield with Germany internationals
Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka patrolling the central areas and the
impressive Jamal Musiala in a more advanced role.

Musiala, not yet 20, is Bayern's leading scorer with 14 goals while there are
few midfielders in the world as complete as Goretzka and Kimmich.

However, it is a longstanding area of weakness for PSG, heavily reliant on
Marco Verratti, whose fitness is again in question with the Italian receiving
treatment for a sore hip.

Fabian Ruiz and Carlos Soler have not settled since arriving in the summer,
Vitinha's form has dipped and Renato Sanches is likely ruled out of both legs
with a hamstring problem.

- Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting v Sergio Ramos -

Choupo Moting was on the losing side after coming on late for PSG in the
final three years ago, his final appearance in an underwhelming stint in the
French capital.

Bayern seemed an unlikely next destination for the Cameroon striker, but his
contribution this season for a team coming to terms with the departure of
Robert Lewandowski and absence of Sadio Mane cannot be understated.

His 13 goals are second only to Musiala and his ability to occupy defenders
affords Bayern's more dynamic attackers like Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane
extra space to do damage.

Ramos was signed to bring extra depth and experience to PSG, but the 36-year-
old has played far more regularly than perhaps expected with Presnel Kimpembe
sidelined by injury.

- Lionel Messi v Dayot Upamecano -

Less than two months on from the World Cup final, Dayot Upamecano will again
be tasked in part with shutting down Messi -- assuming he plays, as Galtier
insists he will.

Seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi had the last laugh in Doha with two goals
and a helping hand in the other, before converting in the shootout.

Upamecano has started every game for Bayern in the league this term, growing
in stature after an up-and-down first season in Bavaria.

PSG's attack is not the same without the blazing speed of Mbappe, but Messi
and Neymar can still pose plenty of problems for a Bayern defence reinforced
by the recent signing of Joao Cancelo.