Bundesliga 7/1-8/1/22: Bayern Munich host Borussia Monchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund travel to Eintracht Frankfurt

After a thrilling first half of the season, there’s plenty to look forward to in 2022. The teams should be feeling refreshed after a two-week Christmas break. We will look ahead to two Bundesliga games this weekend — Bayern Munich v Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday, followed by Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Dortmund on Saturday evening. We will also check in on the latest match odds.

Thomas Muller aiming to remain Bayern Munich’s assist king in 2022

Thomas Muller may have accrued a bucketload of goals during his Bayern Munich career, but he has also developed a penchant for providing assists. In 2021, Muller supplied 24 assists, which is more than any other players across Europe’s top five leagues. More often than not, teams like to defend deep against Bayern.

When they do, this opens up space for the likes of Muller to weave their magic. Looking at when Muller provides assists, between the 31st and 45th minute was most common, as he registered seven assists during this time period in games. Regardless, Bayern will be looking to stretch their nine-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.

• Bayern Munich to beat Borussia Monchengladbach @6/25 with Casumo
• Bayern Munich to win to nil @17/10 with Casumo

Bayern Munich in the groove heading into their first game of 2022

Bayern have been peerless so far this season, and they have been in a rich vein of form. Seven victories on the trot in all competitions have underlined their superiority. During their 17 games, they have scored 56 goals, 15 more than Borussia Dortmund. In addition, Bayern have conceded just 16.

Borussia Monchengladbach desperate to keep hold of Denis Zakaria

In January, thoughts naturally turn to the transfer window, and there is likely to be a few big deals struck. Currently, midfielder Denis Zakaria is on Manchester United’s radar, and it is thought a £25 million offer could be tabled. However, there is plenty of interest being shown in Zakaria, with Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Barcelona also mooted as admirers.

Borussia Dortmund desperate to bridge the gap to Bayern Munich

As things stand, it looks like a bit of a chasm at the top of the Bundesliga. Dortmund’s 2021 ended on a low point when they lost 3-2 away to Hertha Berlin. Eintracht Frankfurt will be no pushover on Saturday. Frankfurt are currently sixth in the table, just a point off the top four.

Erling Haaland playing catch up to Robert Lewandowski in the goalscoring charts

While the title race will be fascinating, many individual battles are also taking place. At least as far as the race to finish the season as top scorer goes. Bayern talisman Robert Lewandowski has already racked up 19 goals from 17 starts, averaging a goal every 76 minutes. In fact, in 2021, he broke Gerd Muller’s record for most goals in a calendar year (42).

However, Erling Haaland is in hot pursuit. Despite sitting out six games through injury, the Dortmund hitman has netted 13 times, and his goals have come quicker, averaging one every 69 minutes. Haaland will fancy his chances of adding to his tally against Frankfurt.

• Borussia Dortmund to beat Eintracht Frankfurt @19/20 with Casumo
• Both Teams to Score Yes @4/9 with Casumo

Meanwhile, Frankfurt will be looking to break into the top four this season, and they may be a tough nut to crack open. Frankfurt have lost just once in their past seven Bundesliga outings. They have also been in free-scoring mode, hitting eight goals in their past three games.

Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Dortmund: A look back on past encounters

Often, the head-to-head record can be a good gauge of how matches may unfold. Dortmund may feel like Frankfurt are there for the taking! These two sides met on Matchday 2, and Dortmund ran out 5-2 winners. Dortmund were ruthless, and Haaland netted a double, while Marco Reus, Thorgan Hazard and Giovanni Reyna also got in on the act.

Frankfurt, meanwhile, got off to a disastrous start, but they have rallied since then. Haaland could be a thorn in their side. But if they can keep him in close check and cut off his supply, then they may be able to nick a win playing on the counter-attack. It should be an intriguing encounter nevertheless.

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