Bayern star is clueless about Aberdeen aces

Bayern Munich's Philipp Lahm today admitted he'll be taking astep into the unknown when he lines up against Aberdeen.

The defender hasn't heard of any of the Dons players who he isset to face in Thursday's UEFA Cup encounter.

The German international insists Bayern are the overwhelmingfavourites for the tie but will still seek information from bossOttmar Hitzfeld about his opponents.

Bayern will touch down in the Granite City tomorrow and Lahmadmits he's bracing himself for bit of a culture shock.

"Aberdeen is a typical Scottish side. It's the team that iscrucial," said Lahm.

"As yet I don't know any of the team members but our manager willcertainly be telling us in the next few days about the strengths andweaknesses of the individual players.

"We heard that Aberdeen qualified by defeating Copenhagenconvincingly in the last round of matches.

"Otherwise we don't know a lot about the club in Germany asScottish football after all is dominated by the two big Glasgowclubs.

"I believe we are the favourites against Aberdeen.

"We can't afford to make any mistakes and must remain focused.

"Aberdeen will test us to the utmost in terms of fighting spirit.I am quite sure about that."

Lahm, who has won 39 German caps, can't wait for his latestEuropean adventure.

The left-back will be spared the task of marking Aberdeen's Eurohero against Copenhagen, Jamie Smith, as he has been ruled outthrough injury.

But Lahm, 24, is more concerned with his own players.

And he's backing Munich's famous four to fire them through to thelast 16 of the prestigious competition.

Lahm added: "We have many very good players in the side who canwin a game for us.

"Whether it's the forwards like Luca Toni or Miro Klose.

"We also have good midfield players like Ze Roberto and Mark vanBommel.

"We must be unpredictable, then we'll also be successful."

Bayern have played just two competitive games this year due tothe seasonal Bundesliga shutdown.

They only just sneaked a 2-1 win away at Hansa Rostock and drewwith Werder Bremen at home on Sunday.

But Lahm still reckons their additional time off will work intheir favour as they'll be fresh for the UEFA Cup encounter.

And the defender has also targeted a crucial away goal.

"The winter break is definitely an advantage for us," said Lahm.

"After the demanding pre-break matches we were able to recuperateand then worked hard at the training camp in Spain.

"We have already played a few games since the break so we have regained our match sharpness.

"Scoring a goal would be a great advantage for the return gamein the Alliance Arena.

"We would be satisfied with a draw on Thursday night but a win would be even better."