Bundesliga: Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich in Wolfsburg’s wing mirror

There were some electrifying performances in the Bundesliga last weekend. Bayern Munich went into fast and furious mode against RB Leipzig, but Wolfsburg remain the team to beat. In this week’s preview, we will assess two matches — Bayern Munich v Bochum, and Borussia Dortmund v FC Union Berlin. We will also check in on the latest match odds.

Borussia Dortmund show battling qualities in a seven-goal thriller against Bayer Leverkusen

There is something to be said about watching Borussia Dortmund in full flow. Quite simply, they are a joy to watch. At the moment, they are papering over their defensive vulnerabilities with their scintillating attacking play. Against Bayer Leverkusen last weekend, Dortmund recovered from going behind three times.

Nevertheless, Erling Haaland dug them out of their hole by netting a double. Haaland has been simply unstoppable, and he has the Midas touch. Indeed, he has scored five times in four Bundesliga outings this season. The Golden Boot award looks like being a direct shoot-out between Haaland and Bayern Munich marksman Robert Lewandowski.

• Borussia Dortmund to beat FC Union Berlin @21/50 with Casumo
• Erling Haaland to score anytime for Borussia Dortmund @21/50 with Casumo

Marco Reus bemoans Borussia Dortmund’s defensive problems

As mentioned, Dortmund have been great going forward, but at the back, there have been gaping holes. Indeed, Dortmund have shipped more goals (nine) than any other side in the top four. Marco Reus was quick to point this out after the win over Leverkusen, in which he lamented the manner of the goals that were conceded. The neutral, however, will have enjoyed that game!

FC Union Berlin need to address reputation of draw specialists

FC Union Berlin have quickly developed a reputation of becoming draw specialists. With three draws from their opening four matches, Union Berlin need to have a bit more cutting edge up front. A trip to Dortmund on Sunday will be a stiff test, but if they can create chances, they have to take them.

Borussia Dortmund hoping to put Union Berlin to the sword once again

The head-to-head record can sometimes be a good gauge of how games might unfold. Signa Iduna Park can be a cauldron of noise for visiting teams, and some crumble under the pressure. Dortmund will be hoping for a similar result to last season when they beat Union Berlin 2-0. Marcos Reus and Raphael Guerreiro supplied the goals for the hosts.

Jamal Musiala casts a spell on RB Leipzig with magical display for Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich have been looking formidable under Julian Nagelsmann. Against his former employers, RB Leipzig, Nagelsmann got his tactics spot on. And bringing on Jamal Musiala paid dividends. Having replaced the injured Serge Gnabry on the stroke of half-time, Musiala wove his magic by scoring two minutes after the restart before providing an assist for Leroy Sane to kill the game off.

Musiala is a genius at picking up pockets of space in the middle of the park. Nagelsmann paid him a huge compliment when he called Muisala “a street footballer of the highest order”. And Muller — who has made nearly 600 competitive appearances for Bayern, is a huge Muisala fan too. The way Musiala allies attacking instinct with tracking back defensively should be marvelled at.

• Bayern Munich to beat Bochum @1/14 with Casumo
• Jamal Musiala to score anytime for Bayern @EVENS with Casumo

As far as Bochum are concerned, they need to get their season going. They have been rather tepid at times, and they have only won one of their four Bundesliga matches. Bochum were very much second best against Hertha Berlin over the weekend as they crashed to a 3-1 defeat, and they need to be much stronger defensively.

Bayern Munich holding their breath over Serge Gnabry and Robert Lewandowski

With a mouthwatering Champions League group clash coming up against Barcelona, Bayern Munich could do without injuries to their key players. Gnabry was subbed off against Leipzig with a back problem. Lewandowski, meanwhile, has a groin issue, and he came off early against Leipzig as a precaution.

Although it is unclear whether Gnabry and Lewandowski will be fit in time to face Barcelona, it is worrying news for Bayern. Although Bayern aren’t short on attacking weapons, Bochum will be breathing a huge sigh of relief if they don’t have to come up against Lewandowski as he could wreak havoc.

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