Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: Luckster
Marking their return from Germany’s festive break on Saturday evening, Bayern Munich will travel to Borussia Monchengladbach.
Borussia Monchengladbach
Starting with the hosts, while Borussia Monchengladbach might have spent large spells of last season looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scrap, the Foals have made a string of improvements this time around. Heading to Germany’s festive break with an eye-catching 2-1 victory away at Hoffenheim, Gerardo Seoane’s men have their sights set on mounting a genuine European charge in 2025. Opening this weekend’s showdown sat just a single point adrift of breaking into the top-six, Gladbach have lost just one of their previous nine consecutive Bundesliga appearances – a run that stems all the way back to October 4th. With the mood in their camp at a real high, it should be noted that Seoane’s side have recorded 16 points from their previous six showdowns in front of their own supporters.
Borussia Monchengladbach Team News
Dealing with a muscle issue prior to Germany’s festive break, Borussia Monchengladbach will once again be without former Toulouse midfielder Nathan Ngoumou this weekend. However, overcoming a recent knock, Germany international Florian Neuhaus could make a first Bundesliga appearance since November 24th.
Recording four Bundesliga goals in his previous five Bundesliga appearances, Alassane Plea will play a leading role in the final third. Enjoying what has become a breakout campaign at Borussia-Park, USA international Joe Scally will start at left-back.
Bayern Munich
As for the visitors, while many around the Allianz might have been shocked last summer following Vincent Kompany’s arrival, Bayern Munich are clearly enjoying life under the former Burnley boss. Heading into Germany’s festive break with a stunning 5-1 romp against RB Leipzig, the German giants will be looking to make a similar statement here. Opening Saturday’s showdown holding a four-point buffer at the top of the table, Munich have suffered just a single defeat from any of their first 15 Bundesliga appearances so far this season. Despite facing what could be a tricky test this weekend, Kompany’s men will be excited by their recent success against Saturday’s hosts. Winning their back-to-back Bundesliga battles against Gladbach last season by an aggregate score of 5-2, Bayern will know the importance of avoiding a potential banana skin.
Bayern Munich Team News
Missing training in midweek after reportedly dealing with illness, Bayern Munich are sweating over the fitness of Jamal Musiala on Saturday evening. Dealing with an ankle issue prior to Germany’s festive break, French defender Sacha Boey is not expected to feature at Borussia-Park.
However, in what could prove to be a real boost this weekend, veteran shot-stopper Manuel Neuer is expected to return from a rib injury. Already notching 14 Bundesliga strikes in his first 13 domestic appearances so far this season, England skipper Harry Kane will lead the line.
Borussia Monchengladbach vs Bayern Munich Key Factors to Consider
- Bayern Munich won their two Bundesliga battles against Gladbach last season by an aggregate score of 5-2.
- The German giants have suffered just a single defeat from any of their first 15 Bundesliga appearances this season.
- Gladbach have registered 16 points from just their previous six Bundesliga showdowns on home soil.
- Bayern have failed to record a single clean sheet in any of their last six matchups across all competitions.
- Each of the last five meetings between Borussia Monchengladbach vs Bayern Munich have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
While Bayern might mark their return from Germany’s festive break pencilled in as a standout contender, Kompany’s men could face a tricky test this weekend. Showing some extended defensive issues, they will meet a Gladbach squad that are in the midst of a real European charge. With Saturday’s hosts gaining a reputation for their success at Borussia-Park, the Foals have remarkably mustered 16 points from their previous six Bundesliga showdowns in front of their own supporters. In a contest that tends to produce plenty of action, we are backing an enjoyable Bundesliga battle.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: Luckster
