Prediction: Bayern Munich vs Wolfsburg

Verdict: Bayern Munich to win to Nil

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: William Hill

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich play host to Wolfsburg in Round 6 opener on Friday night, looking to reclaim the leading spot in the standings and continue the winning run against the in-trouble opponents.

Bayern Munich

It only took a single loss to Hoffenheim 2-0 earlier this month to send the German media into frenzy, speculating about the future of Carlo Ancelotti at the bench of the Bavarian giants. The Italian might be nearing an exit to his German adventure with rumours about infighting rebellion gathering pace but he won’t let the results suffer.

Bayern Munich quickly got back up on their feet with three consecutive wins over Anderlecht, Mainz and Schalke last time out. Ten goals scored and none conceded is perhaps the best way to send a message to critics and doubters who are spreading the news about a squad rebellion. Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski appear to be leading the line with their dissatisfaction towards the lax leadership of the Italian coach, but the club is successfully keeping everything under wraps, looking to solve things internally. And as rumours about Ancelotti’s imminent departure gain pace and Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann already eyeing the hot seat, Bavarians look to continue the winning run and keep up the chase behind Borussia Dormtund who remain the only undefeated side in Germany.

Team News

Manuel Neuer continues to nurture his leg injury, while Bayern are also without injured David Alaba and Juan Bernat for the occasion.

Arjen Robben is down with illness and the Wolfsburg game could be coming too early for the experienced Dutchman.

Wolfsburg

Only five points from four opening rounds of the new Bundesliga season were more than enough for coach Andries Jonker to lose the trust of both Wolfsburg hierarchy and the dressing room.

Together with his staff – which included former Arsenal star player Freddie Ljungberg – Andries Jonker was shown the exit door on Monday with the club bringing in former Mainz boss Martin Schmidt as his replacement. Wolfsburg are coming off from a busy summer which saw the German side bring a number of players including former Hertha defender John Anthony Brooks, Malaga midfielder Ignacio Camacho, Internacional right-back William and Liverpool striker Divock Origin. But with their newly assembled squad going through a stagnation period, the club management decided it was the right time for a change. Martin Schmidt signed a two-year deal with the club and will have a difficult job at his debut given the fact he makes his bow against none other than in-form Bayern Munich. Taking anything positive other than a learning curve from this match would be considered a surprise.

Team News

Wolfsburg will have to do without injured John Anthony Brooks and Germany striker Mario Gomez.

A couple of names are still claimed to be doubtful for Bayern clash with Blaszczykowski, Bruma, Hinds and Tisserand all recovering from either illnesses or injuries.

Key Factors to Consider

• Bayern Munich have gone nine consecutive matches without a draw
• The Bavarians scored 10 goals in last three matches without conceding
• Wolfsburg failed to win any of their last three matches
• Robert Lewandowski has scored 6 goals in 5 Bundesliga matches
• Bayern Munich won last six meetings with Wolfsburg

Conclusion

Both history and current form are against Wolfsburg who are likely to provide their new manager with not the welcome party he might have expected. Both clubs are experiencing certain in-squad issues but Bayern Munich are far better equipped to go through this forthcoming clash with their heads held high and with three points in the bag.

Verdict: Bayern Munich to win to Nil

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: William Hill