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Toni & Gomez battle for Bayern berth

Toni, who scored midweek against Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Cup and carved out several chances in Saturday's goalless draw with VfB Stuttgart straight after coming on, may have done enough to confine 30-million-euro striker Gomez to the bench.

Gomez, the Bundesliga's most expensive signing, was picked to start against his former club Stuttgart but coach Louis van Gaal hinted Toni, who missed much of the early season with a heel injury, would be his choice against Bordeaux.

"The reason Gomez (started) was that he is from here and he knows the grass, he knows the pitch," Van Gaal said. "But Toni had played four matches in a row and I have to think about Bordeaux."

"It was a good game to prepare for the Bayern game," said midfielder and captain Alou Diarra. "We can approach this Champions League match serenely. We will travel there to take at least a point. We expect a tough game."

Bordeaux's mission will not be an easy one, warned Diarra.

"Bayern have their back to the wall ... but we will go there aiming to spring a surprise."