Bundesliga 17-18/12/2021: Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund hope to end year on a high

Football 123 Weeks ago

It has been an absorbing first half of the Bundesliga campaign. Well, after this round of fixtures, we will be! Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are both in action this weekend against Wolfsburg and Hertha Berlin respectively before they have a near three-week Christmas break. We will look ahead to these two games, and supply the latest match odds.

Bayern Munich in control at the top after dramatic comeback over Mainz

It has been rare so far this season to see Bayern Munich put on the back foot. Indeed, their only defeat of the campaign came at home to Eintracht Frankfurt on October 3. They nearly came unstuck against Mainz last weekend, and they were outfought for long periods. However, Bayern came from behind to register a 2-1 victory.

After trailing to a Karim Onisiwo strike, Bayern were on level terms through Kingsley Coman, who netted eight minutes after the restart. And Jamal Musiala arrowed the winner in to mark the turnaround. Bayern are now six points clear at the top of the table, and they have scored 47 goals. You can’t win the title at Christmas, but Bayern look like an immovable force.

Revealing some of the best stats of Bayern Munich’s comeback against Mainz

There were a few takeaways, at least on the stat side of things after Bayern’s win over Mainz. Julian Nagelsmann registered his 100th Bundesliga win as a coach, while Bayern have now scored in 62 straight top-flight matches, which stretches back to February. Also, Thomas Muller has now won 291 of the 398 Bundesliga he has appeared in.

Wolfsburg drifting after mid season slump

Although Wolfsburg find themselves in 11th, and just three points adrift of the top six, the wheels have come off in the past few weeks. A 2-0 defeat was their fifth loss in a row in all competitions, and it is hardly ideal preparation ahead of a clash with Bayern. However, before they take on the reigning Bundesliga champions, they face Cologne.

Bayern Munich v Wolfsburg: A tale of past encounters

Bayern Munich will be licking their lips at wrapping up 2021 by hosting Wolfsburg. They have enjoyed the better of things in recent years, and last season, Bayern won both home and away. Bayern clinched a 2-1 win at the Allianz Arena, and in the last meeting, they won 3-2 on the road.

Borussia Dortmund see title challenge checked by Bochum

Borussia Dortmund have been straining every sinew to keep up with Bayern in the title race. Currently, they are six points adrift of Bayern, and things wouldn’t have been helped by a 1-1 draw away to Bochum last weekend. Dortmund came close to leaving empty-handed, but a Julian Brandt equaliser five minutes from time spared their blushes.

Surprisingly, this was Dortmund’s first draw away from home this season after three wins and three defeats. Although Erling Haaland failed to get on the scoresheet, he still got an assist, which was his fourth of the campaign.

Hertha Berlin, meanwhile, are trying to keep their heads above water. A win over Arminia was much needed after a run of five games without a victory. Currently, Hertha are 14th in the table, eight points clear of the drop zone.

Hertha Berlin v Borussia Dortmund: Recalling past clashes

Dortmund have had a stronghold on this fixture, winning the past five league clashes between the two sides. Last season, Dortmund romped to a 5-2 victory away to Hertha. On that day, Haaland helped himself to four goals, and he completed a hat-trick within 15 minutes. Raphael Guerreiro grabbed the other goal.

Meanwhile, there was some good news on the Dortmund injury front. Defender Manuel Akanji underwent surgery on his right knee, and it is thought he could return to training at the start of the New Year. Anyway, Dortmund shouldn’t have any problems brushing aside Hertha on Saturday.

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