The Rivalry Roars Again: Bayern Munich vs Dortmund in the Bundesliga
Bayern Munich Clashes with Dortmund: Analysis, Forecasts, and Top Wagers
The stage is set for a thrilling evening as Bayern Munich and Dortmund lock horns in the Bundesliga on Saturday. Despite being 10 points off the top spot, Die Roten and BVB are both eager to secure a win as they gear up for Champions League quarter-finals.
The Bavarians' Resurgence
After a shaky start to the year, Bayern's form has been on the upswing. The first ten matches of 2024 saw four defeats, including a 3-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen and a 1-0 setback to Lazio. A 3-2 defeat at Bochum put an end to their title hopes, leading to Thomas Tuchel's departure in May.
Since then, Bayern has rallied, beating RB Leipzig 2-1, thrashing Lazio 3-0, and humbling Mainz 8-1. Harry Kane scored a hat-trick against Mainz before the FIFA break, while a 5-2 win over Darmstadt followed.
Team News and Motivation
Harry Kane remains a doubt due to an ankle injury, while Manuel Neuer is out. Raphael Guerreiro is a doubt as well, but the return of Serge Gnabry to bolster the wide areas and the potential debut of Kingsley Coman in a couple of months should boost Bayern's chances.
The players are determined to end the season on a high note after Tuchel's departure, and they'll be playing to win to keep their bleak title hopes alive. The tie against Arsenal isn't expected to be a distraction given that it's ten days away.
Dortmund's Rollercoaster Season
Dortmund has had an unusual season, with just one loss in 15 matches in all competitions. A few too many draws in the Bundesliga leaves them 20 points off Bayer Leverkusen. They drew 1-1 at Wolfsburg before a 1-1 away draw vs PSV in the Champions League, followed by a 3-2 loss to Hoffenheim.
However, Dortmund has won their last four matches, beating Union Berlin 2-0 and Werder Bremen 2-1. A 2-0 home win over PSV sealed their path to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Before the FIFA break, they overturned a 1-0 deficit to beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-1 at home.
Team News and Motivation
Marcel Sabitzer is suspended in midfield for this match, while Sebastien Haller may only make the bench with a chronic ankle complaint. Gregor Kobel is expected to be fit to play, with Ramy Bensebaini potentially sidelined due to a knee injury. Ian Maatsen will likely start at left back if Bensebaini is absent. Salih Ozcan should start in midfield after Edin Terzic used two pure number tens in the last match.
Dortmund is just a point above fifth spot and will be playing for the win to secure a top-four finish. They can't afford a defeat, as it would make finishing in the top four an uphill task.
Key Stats and Predictions
- Bayern Munich won their last three matches with 16 goals scored[3].
- Bayern have lost 11 of 49 matches under Thomas Tuchel[4].
- Bayern Munich have conceded in 9 of their last 10 matches[3].
- Dortmund have lost just 1 of their last 15 fixtures[4].
- Dortmund are winless in 10 Bundesliga matches vs Bayern (9 losses, 33 goals conceded)[4].
Based on the stats and the form of both teams, it's worth considering a bet on Bayern to win with both teams scoring at 2.25. High-value bet options might include both teams to score in both halves at 6.25 and Harry Kane as the first goalscorer at 3.50[1].
[1] James O'Connor is a football analyst covering the PSL and English Premier League, as well as tactics. He holds a UEFA A coaching licence and has experience working in analysis roles for several clubs. You can follow him on Twitter @footy_analysis.
[2] Ensure to verify the latest head-to-head records, stats, and team news, as these may change due to cancellations or updates.
[3] Refer to various sources for the most accurate set of key stats and to cross-verify details.
[4] Whenever possible, consult previous extended statistics for a more complete picture of each team's recent performance.
- In the upcoming Bundesliga match, Bayern Munich and Dortmund are both aiming for a win, with Bayern having won their last three matches with 16 goals scored.
- Bayern have lost 11 of 49 matches under Thomas Tuchel, but they have conceded in 9 of their last 10 matches.
- Despite losing just 1 of their last 15 fixtures, Dortmund are winless in 10 Bundesliga matches against Bayern.
- With both teams showing form and a high-scoring tendency, it's worth considering a bet on Bayern to win with both teams scoring at 2.25. High-value bet options might include both teams to score in both halves at 6.25 and Harry Kane as the first goalscorer at 3.50.
