Bayern Munich will be gearing up for a top-of-the-table clash when they host Freiburg in the Bundesliga.
A second position will be at stake when Bayern Munich take on Freiburg on Sunday. A late goal from Borussia Dortmund denied the Bavarians a victory on the enemy turf and they might have to start it from the scratch against Freiburg.
Leon Goretzka’s low strike and a Leroy Sane curler almost seemed enough as the visitors were on course towards a famous victory. But Dortmund hurt their ambitions with two quality goals from Youssoufa Moukoko and Anthony Modeste.
Bayern’s domination has been challenged by Union Berlin this term who have had an exceptional start to the campaign and are currently occupying the top spot. They are also scheduled to face Borussia Dortmund this weekend so these couple of matches can actually paint a bigger picture as far as the Bundesliga title race is concerned.
Freiburg have exceeded their expectations this season and are constantly on the heels of table toppers Union Berlin. They have stretched their unbeaten run to seven games with a 2-2 draw against Hertha Berlin but a positive performance against Bayern could help them in gaining more control over their title aspirations depending on how Union Berlin perform against Dortmund in another match.
Freiburg warmed up in style for the game with a 4-0 thrashing of Nantes in the Europa League. With a place in the next stage almost sealed, manager Christian Streich will have the luxury to fancy a win over the 32-time champions.
They have collected 11 points away from home, the most by a team this season. But they are yet to register a win at the Allianz Arena and this could be a chance to defy the odds.
Team News and Tactics
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich will be without their star goalkeeper Manuel Neuer which could play a vital role in the outcome of the match. Both Thomas Muller and Alphonso Davies have responded in the training positively and unless anything happens they will be available.
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Jamal Musiala will be on the bench while Matthijs de Ligt and Serge Gnabry will feature in the final training to determine their current status.
Sven Ulreich will deputise in the goal in the absence of Neuer. Benjamin Pavard will be the makeshift defender alongside Dayot Upamecano in the heart of the backline.
Alphonso Davies will return to the lineup while Noussair Mazraoui will continue his development on the right side of the defence. Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka have been the preferred pair in the middle of the pitch and with Freiburg having been in good form they will have to command the midfield.
Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry will occupy both the flanks while Thomas Muller will operate from just behind the main striker. Sadio Mane will be the most advanced attacker.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ulrich; Mazraoui, Pavard, Upamecano, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Sane, Muller, Gnabry; Mane
Freiburg
The visitors will be missing the services of Kimberly Ezekwem, Manuel Gulde and Rolland Salai.
Mark Flekken will be in goal and he will be guarded by the backline of Matthias Ginter and Philipp Lienhart. Kiliann Sildillia and Christian Gunter will have a tough task as Bayern do have a number of exciting attackers down the flanks.
Nicolas Hofler will try to fill up the void spaces as an inch of the gap could be of major danger. Maximilian Eggestein will be his partner in crime.
Daniel-Kofi Kyereh will be the most advanced midfielder and he will be sandwiched by Ritsu Doan and Vincenzo Grifo in both wings.
Michael Gregoritsch will try to add to his tally of four goals.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Flekken ; Sildillia, Ginter, Lienhart, Günter ; Eggestein, Höfler ; Doan, Kyereh, Grifo ; Gregoritsch
Key Stats
- Bayern haven’t lost at home to Freiburg in the Bundesliga in the past 22 meetings.
- Freiburg have scored at least once in each of their last eight games against Bayern.
- This is Bayern’s worst point tally in the Bundesliga in the last 12 years.
- Freiburg will start the match in the second position and this is only the third instance they will kickstart a match while in a better position than the Bavarians.
Key Players
Leroy Sane
There has been a sense of maturity in Leroy Sane’s playing style as the former Manchester City winger has developed himself into a far more complete player.
His goal-scoring rate has also improved this season and if Bayern are to defend their Bundesliga title from this point the 26-year-old must be in his prime throughout the season.
Predictions
Bayern Munich 2-1 Freiburg
Despite Freiburg’s string of good performances a Bayern test could prove to be a handful for them. They are yet to face any classy opponent so far and it remains to be seen whether they surpass the challenge or not.