By Karl Matchett
Fallen giants
Bayern Munich, a minimum of, are nonetheless within the hunt for trophies this 12 months. But even when they find yourself with a league title – and 6 factors forward with six to play, they need to do – it actually doesn’t really feel near a classic 12 months for the Bavarians. Bayer Leverkusen had been all the time prone to have a little bit of a hangover from final 12 months’s success, after all. So whereas ending above them could be an achievement, it does nonetheless really feel…the minimal achievement, considerably. It’s not a dominant, runaway 12 months for Bayern, it’s not an unbeaten one – they misplaced to relegation-threatened Bochum a couple of weeks in the past – and there stay long-term questions over some components of the squad.
That’s even with out contemplating whether or not head coach Vincent Kompany actually is lower out for elite stage teaching, after he actually wasn’t first alternative final summer time. Maybe it’s just a little harsh, however that’s the kind of customary Bayern have set for themselves: title a minimum of, and a European problem at greatest. The latter is at risk after a house defeat to Inter Milan.
Misplaced course
At the very least Bayern nonetheless have an opportunity to succeed in the Champions League semis – Dortmund have to be questioning what the purpose of their second leg is after a 4-0 drubbing at Barcelona. It’s not as if they will level to their yellow wall screaming them on to victory both; BVB have received exactly three residence matches in three and a half months.
On the street they’ve extra wins, however are as erratic because it will get: six defeats and 5 wins for the reason that flip of the 12 months. Dortmund have misplaced their approach, turning over head coaches with rapidity, failing to duplicate earlier successes within the switch market and unlikely to be in Europe in any respect subsequent time period – they’re eighth within the desk. The Westfalenstadion crew want a tough reset.
Latest outcomes
With 11 wins from their final 16, Bayern look in good kind on the face of it – however they regularly drop factors or outcomes at key moments and performances have fluctuated wildly. Celtic, Leverkusen and Union Berlin are among the many sides to halt them, in addition to Inter and Bochum. Consistency?
As for Dortmund, it’s now two league wins on the spin, but additionally 4 wins and 4 losses in eight.
Group information
Alphonso Davies is out for the lengthy haul, Manuel Neuer is sidelined, Jamal Musiala would possibly miss a month and Kingsley Coman all the time appears one sport away from harm, even when he’s handed match once more for this match. Dortmund are with out Nico Schlotterbeck for the remainder of the season however Yan Couto is again from suspension.
Key man
Michael Olise tops or almost tops the Bundesliga for xA (10.5), massive probabilities created (24), possession received in closing third (1.43/90) and penalties received (two).
Prediction
House win however maybe extra targets than high quality on this sport: Bayern 3-1 Dortmund.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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