Verdict: Bayern Munich to win to Nil
Best Odds: 23/20
Bookmaker: BetVictor
Newly crowned Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are hoping to secure a domestic double this weekend as they prepare to lock horns with Eintracht Frankfurt in what is going to be last game in charge of respective clubs for both managers.
Bayern Munich
With their 27th Bundesliga title already in the trophy cabinet, Bayern Munich will attempt to win the double and thus give their coach Jupp Heynckes a farewell to remember.
The Bavarians are playing their fifth DFB Pokal final in last seven years and will want to build on a compelling 6-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the semi-final. Bayern Munich marched into the final in style as their once again stamped their authority last month and thus sent a clear message of intent to their rivals Eintracht Frankfurt. Germany’s finest will hope for a positive closure to the season which marks the end of the road for head coach Jupp Heynckes. The veteran tactician came back from retirement to help his beloved club get back on their feet following a difficult spell and did his best to consolidate the ranks. Despite the Champions League heartache the Bavarians are steering towards the end of a successful season and winning a DFB Pokal would only be a cherry on top for Heynckes whose previous tenure at Bayern Munich also finished with a Cup final, when Bavarians beat Stuttgart 3-2 to win the treble.
Team News
Mats Hummels suffered a blow to his left foot on the last day of the Bundesliga season but has declared himself fit for the Cup final.
Jerome Boateng misses out due to an adductor problem, whereas Manuel Neuer should be given a chance to prove his fitness ahead of the World Cup.
Eintracht Frankfurt
Despite finishing the season a full 39 points behind champions Bayern Munich, it is fair to say Eintracht Frankfurt have been one of the league’s surprise packages this year. The Eagles flirted with the Champions League for most of the campaign but suffered a dip in form during the final stages which saw them lose five of their last seven Bundesliga matches.
A dip in form definitely had plenty to do with the fact head coach Niko Kovac was confirmed as the new Bayern Munich manager which took its tool on the players as they lost the momentum in the vital stage of the season. The Cup final will be Kovac’s chance to make a perfect farewell and help his team seal a Europa League spot. The Eagles are taking part in their second consecutive DFB Pokal final but will be eager to avoid the last season’s scenario when they suffered a 1-2 blow at the hands of Borussia Dortmund.
Team News
Niko Kovac has almost a full squad to choose from but he could end up making a couple of tactical tweaks to replace the suspended Gelson Fernandes.
Timothy Chandler is expected to replace Jetro Williams on the left wing whereas Kevin-Prince Boateng is expected to slot into a deeper midfield role.
Key Factors to Consider
- Frankfurt have yet to defeat Bayern in any competition since 2010
- Bayern Munich are taking part in their 5th DFB Pokal final in last 7 years
- Eintracht Frankfurt participate in the Cup final for the second year in a row
- Saturday’s fixture will be the final game for both Heynckes and Kovac
- Frankfurt lost five of their last seven matches
Conclusion
Bayern Munich are considered huge favourites to win the Saturday’s match and add another trophy to their Bundesliga winning season. Not only do the Bavarians boast a more quality side but they are in a better place at the moment mentally with Eintracht Frankfurt yet to recover from the fact their head coach is leaving for Munich this summer.
Verdict: Bayern Munich to win to Nil
Best Odds: 23/20
Bookmaker: BetVictor
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