The International week is over, and we now have a clear run to the end of the season. There will be no more frustrating pauses or breaks in play for Euro 2024, or Nations League matches. So sit back, relax, and enjoy what’s sure to be a grandstand finish to the top club football competitions across the continent. From Man City’s battle with Arsenal for the trophy in England to the ongoing scrap involving Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain, there’s plenty to get excited about.
Our football writers bring readers up to speed on the week’s most important fixtures, including Man City v Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. You can read our in-depth preview and predictions on that match elsewhere on this page. But for now, we focus on a clash from Germany that caught the eye of our team. Bayern Munich has dominated the Bundesliga for the last decade and shows no signs of releasing its grip.
Fans expect them to use home advantage to claim another three points on Saturday. Will they get their wish? Keep reading to find out as we analyse the most critical recent form, league standings, and all-important head-to-head stats. We’ll arm you with all the information needed to make an intelligent and well-researched prediction on the FCB v Dortmund game shown live on TV from 17:30 GMT on Saturday.
Bayern is playing catch up
Followers of German football have become used to seeing Bayern Munich at the top of the tree. FCB has dominated the Bundesliga for a long time and has been almost unchallenged over the last ten years. That’s a testament to how well the team has been playing, the coaching methods, and the great work done by the board. They have invested heavily in the club, and it’s having the desired result. FCB wants to dominate Germany and become a regular feature in the later rounds of the Champions League.
But things haven’t been going to plan recently for the champions, and we’re seeing a rate wobble from Munich. They have lost two of their last five games and were beaten in their most recent start. That wobble caused Munich to fall from their perch, knocked off by a determined Borussia Dortmund side that believes it’s time for a change. They want to snap the champion’s dominance, forcing them to release that vice-like grip. Bayern doesn’t want that to happen, and their fate is theirs.
Munich’s form shows they have 15 wins, seven draws, and three defeats, with 72 goals scored, and 27 conceded. They have 52 points on the board, one less than current leaders and FCB’s next opponent Borussia Dortmund. A home win would send Munich back into the pole position and set up a thrilling climax. Everyone connected to the home dressing room knows this is a game they must win to keep their title dreams alive.
Dortmund leads the way
Borussia Dortmund remains one of Germany’s most famous clubs, but it’s a surprise to see them top of the league at this late stage. Their stats show Dortmund has 17 wins, two draws, and six defeats, with 55 goals scored and 31 conceded. That leaves the visitors with a tally of 53 points which is just one more than their hosts. That makes this game even more interesting as it gives the visitors a chance to pull clear in the title race as we approach the business end of the year. Do they have what it takes to last? We’ll be able to answer that question following this game.
While their opponents have lost two of five, Dortmund is on an unbeaten run which has done wonders for morale. The squad is flying and has dropped just two of the last 15 points, with their CV showing four wins and a draw. The visitors were last seen before the international break adding another three points to pass Bayern Munich. They hit the front thanks to a stunning 6-1 victory over FC Koln, and with four different scorers, it was a real show of strength by Dortmund. A repeat performance would be just the ticket.
The Bundesliga title won’t be won and lost this weekend, and even if Dortmund were to go four points clear, that certainly wouldn’t be the end of the champion’s challenge to retain the title. There’s still plenty of football to be played this term, and Munich remains the favourite with many respected pundits to win the title. But an away win over the champions certainly wouldn’t harm Borussia’s chances of winning the league.
Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund prediction
This is a huge game and could decide where the league title is headed this season. If there’s a home win, Munich will race back to the top of the league. If Dortmund were to win on the road, they would enjoy a cushion over Bayern and the rest of the league with time running out to catch them.
Munich’s form hasn’t been great, but they hold the home advantage, and if they are at their best, FCB can win the points on Saturday. Dortmund arrives with confidence to spare and won’t simply roll over and concede defeat to their hosts. An exciting 90 minutes awaits, and armchair fans are ready to enjoy the show.
Bundesliga odds
The pre-match betting odds available to 22Bet members offers Bayern Munich at 1.45 for victory. You can back Borussia Dortmund to prevail at 5.8 with the draw trading at 5.2.
Make sure to be on Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund with 22Bet!