Bundesliga: Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund continue to set the tone
The Bundesliga has made for compelling viewing over the past few weeks. Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund recorded handsome victories last weekend, while RB Leipzig also sauntered to a 4-1 win over Greuther Furth. The top two are in action on Saturday, so we will run the rule over FC Union Berlin v Bayern, and Dortmund v Cologne.
Robert Lewandowski strengthens Ballon d’Or case as Bayern Munich brush aside Hoffenheim
Robert Lewandowski has been nothing short of lethal this term. And the way, he’s going, he looks to be a shoo-in for the Ballon d’Or award. The Polish hitman claimed his 10th goal of the Bundesliga campaign last weekend as Bayern romped to a 4-0 victory over Hoffenheim. Although Julian Nagelsmann was missing from the touchline due to illness, Bayern proved too hot to handle.
Bayern have struck an extraordinary 33 times after nine games, and it was a momentous day for Manuel Neuer, who notched up his 300th victory in Germany’s top flight. But Lewandowski has plenty of backing for the Ballon d’Or, with former Wolfsburg star Kevin De Bruyne commenting: “I’d choose Lewandowski for what he has done in the last two years. He would be my pick.”
- Bayern Munich to beat FC Union Berlin @7/20 with Casumo
- Robert Lewandowski to score at least two goals for Bayern Munich @9/4 with Casumo
Bayern Munich to ring in changes for German Cup
After working from home for the past two matches, Nagelsmann will have been in constant contact with assistant coach Dino Topmuller, who has picked things up from a tactical standpoint. And with a German Cup clash in midweek against Borussia Monchengladbach, you imagine some of Bayern’s big guns will be rested to keep them fresh for the trip to Union Berlin.
FC Union Berlin trending in the right direction
Although they are winless in their past two matches, FC Union Berlin are still trending in the right direction. They are currently fifth in the table, just a point off the top four. Taiwo Awoniyi — who has netted seven times in the Bundesliga this season — will be hoping for some joy against Bayern.
Borussia Dortmund score two screamers as they win without Erling Haaland
Dortmund are firmly on the coattails of Bayern Munich. Although Dortmund were bereft of Erling Haaland’s services, as the striker is out for up to three weeks with a hip injury, they clinched a 3-1 victory away to strugglers Arminia Bielefeld last weekend. Mats Hummels and Jude Bellingham were both on target, and their eye-catching strikes sealed the three points.
Jude Bellingham continues to go from strength to strength
Although the injuries have been mounting up for Dortmund, with Haaland, Raphael Guerreiro, and Mo Dahoud all on the treatment table, Bellingham has made huge strides. In particular, he has improved his output in the final third, contributing 0.47 goals and assists per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga.
Against Bielefeld, Bellingham produced a masterclass of a display, and his goal is well worth watching a few times on the highlights reels. Picking up the ball on the edge of the box, he glided past three defenders before dinking his effort into the corner of the net. It was simply stunning stuff!
Perhaps what is more concerning for Marco Rose’s charges is the defence. They currently have the fifth-best defensive record in the Bundesliga, but they have shipped 15 goals in nine games. While their attacking prowess has saved them, they are still searching for their first clean sheet of the campaign. A strong back four is the foundation of a title-winning side.
FC Cologne desperate to get back on the winning trail
While Cologne are bobbling along nicely in eighth spot in the Bundesliga, they have found wins hard to come by of late. Indeed, Cologne have tasted victory just once in their past six outings. Although they had to come from behind to rescue a point against Bayer Leverkusen, they will have to be at their best to keep out Dortmund.
It will very much be a case of Cologne being able to hang on in there, and riding out tough moments in the game. Cologne will take comfort from their last trip to Signa Iduna Park, where they clinched a 2-1 victory thanks to a double from Ellyes Shkiri. Dortmund, however, may have other ideas.
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