Borussia Monchengladbach
Vs
Bayern Munich
Borussia-Park, Monchengladbach
Saturday, 5th December, 14:30 GMT
****
The 2 most in form sides in Germany go head to head this Saturday in what is likely to be one of the most competitive fixtures in the Bundesliga this season. Borussia Monchengladbach are on a run of 23 points from the last nine games since Andre Schubert took over from Lucien Favre. Bayern Munich on the other hand have an even impressive record of 13 wins in the opening 14 matches this season. If things go to plan for Bayern which they almost always do in the Bundesliga then by the end of the week they could seal the Herbstmeisterschaft, the unofficial title for winning the first half of the season.
Team News & Tactics
Borussia Monchengladbach
The Foals have historically been one of the tougher teams to beat for Bayern Munich, none more so than in the 70a s when they picked up 5 domestic league titles compared to Bayerna s 3. In modern day Bundesliga as well the Bavarians have won only 4 out of their past 25 league visits to the Borussia-Park. Last season the Foals claimed an impressive 4 points out of 6 against Bayern which including a 2-0 home win.
This time round too Gladbach will be looking to trip a Bayern side which is laying claims to being the best in the world alongside Barcelona. Trainer Schubert will set up his side in the usual 4-4-2 with Raffael & Lars Stindl leading the frontline and being supported by the impressive Fabian Johnson on the left.
Offensively, the Foals have the third best record in the Bundesliga behind only Bayern & Borussia Dortmund but it is defensively where the problems lie for Gladbach. They have let in 22 goals which is the most that any side in the top 12 have conceded in the Bundesliga this season. And it is not difficult to see why they have been so inconsistent at the back with Austrian Martin Stranzl on the sidelines following a fractured eye socket suffered against Hamburg SV in September.
Possible Starting Xl (4-4-2): Sommer; Korb, Christiansen, Nordtveit, Wendt; Drmic, Dahoud, Xhaka, Johnson; Stindl, Raffael
Team News & Tactics
Bayern Munich
Despite a spate of injuries & up against an opponent which has historically proven to be difficult to beat Bayern start as favourites. That shows how good this side are & why CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is claiming this is the best era for the Bavarians both on & off the pitch.
Though Pep Guardiolaa s future has yet to be resolved there is another good piece of news coming out that iconic 
forward Thomas Muller will pen a new contract that will keep him with the German giants till 2021. Injury wise the scenario does not look too good though with David Alaba set to be sidelined till next year with an ankle injury & Douglas Costa also in the treatment room for another 2 weeks at least.
However, Pep should have a fully fit squad to choose from after the winter break with Arjen Robben, Thiago Alcantara, Juan Bernat returning to full training next week along with long term absentee Franck Ribery. But despite these high profile injuries the Bavarians can still put out a first eleven that would be the envy of all sides across Europe.
Possible Starting Xl (4-3-3): . Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Benatia, Rafinha; Alonso, Martinez, Vidal; Muller, Lewandowski, Coman
Player to Watch
Thomas Muller
With the departure of Bastian Schweinsteiger to Manchester United, Thomas Muller is the most popular player with the fans. He is also a good omen for the Bavarians as the Bundesliga giants have won the last 47 games in a row when Muller has found the back of the net.
Prediction
Borussia Monchengladbach 1-2 Bayern Munich
Though Gladbach are on a very good run they are up against a Bayern side brimming with confidence. It should be a close encounter and the Bavarians will look to increase their lead at the top with another victory as they continue to be one of the most dominant teams in Europe.
