Prediction: Borussia M’gladbach vs Bayern Munich

Verdict: Both teams to score – Yes

Best Odds: 11/21

Bookmaker: 888sport

High-flying Borussia M’gladbach will be looking to make the Bundesliga title chase interesting again by putting a dent into Bayern Munich’s title hopes. That, however, seems easier said than done considering the Bavarians have won last five league fixtures in style.

Borussia M’gladbach

Borussia M’gladbach did well to return to the top of German football after a lengthy absence, but they failed to impress last term, finishing the league campaign mere eight points above the relegation zone. The club in turn decided to invest considerable funds into the playing squad over the summer, spending almost €40 million on Matthias Ginter, Raul Bobadilla, Vincenzo Griffo and Denis Zakaria, among others. The heavy investment appears to be paying off as Borussia are back in Bundesliga top 4, having won four of last six league matches. The likes of Lars Stindl, Raffael and Thorgan Hazard are proving real menace for opposition defenders and they will be looking to make life difficult for Bayern Munich as well. The problem is that die Fohlen haven’t impressed on home soil this season, suffering defeats to Eintracht Frankfurt (0-1) and Bayer Levrkusen (1-5), while defeating Koln, Stuttgart and Hannover, and sharing spoils with Mainz. While the hosts face some selection problems ahead of the high-profile game against the Bundesliga champions, all key men are available.

Team News

Vincenzo Griffo is expected to be preferred to the out-of-form Fabian Johnson, while Josip Drmic is finally back in contention.

The likes of Raul Bobadilla, Ibrahima Traore, Mamadou Doucoure, Tobias Strobl and Jonas Hofmann remain in the infirmary.

Bayern Munich

It is now clear that Bayern Munich chiefs made the right decision in sacking Carlo Ancelotti and replacing him with club icon Jupp Heynckes as the Bavarians are back on the right track. A five-match winning run saw the team create a six-point cushion at the league summit, while three Champions League triumphs saw them secure their place in the next stage. Bayern now need to continue raising their form and try to win as many games as possible before the winter break, starting from the clash in Monchengladbach. Jupp Heynckes has had to contend with some selection problems of late, which led to Austrian youngster Marco Friedl being handed his Champions League debut, with Thiago Alcantara and Arjen Robben the latest casualties having picked up injuries in midweek’s triumph over Anderlecht. The good news is that Bayern have improved their performances on the road, winning four of last five away matches, although it is important to note they conceded in each of last four.

Team News

David Alaba, Kingsley Coman and Rafinha are all rated doubtful, whereas Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Thiago Alcantara, Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer are definitely out.

Key Factors to Consider

• Both teams scored in Bayern’s last four away matches
• Bayern on a five-match winning run in the league
• Both teams scored in Borussia’s last three home games
• The two teams are tied in last six meetings (W2 D2 L2)
• Bayern missing a number of first team regulars

Conclusion

Borussia M’gladbach have been in fine form of late and their attacking trio is likely to cause problems to severely weakened Bayern Munich. We don’t see a great value in backing the Bavarians to emerge victorious and will rather suggest backing both teams to score.

Verdict: Both teams to score – Yes

Best Odds: 11/21

Bookmaker: 888sport