Bayern Munich host Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga's Saturday evening fixture.
The two sides head into the weekend as the top two sides in the table, with reigning champions Bayern boasting the only 100% record in the division after three matches.
Match preview
© Reuters
Indeed, it has been a blistering start made by the Bavarians, with Julian Nagelsmann's side sensationally scoring 20 goals in four matches when you include their 5-3 win against RB Leipzig in the German Super Cup.
Last weekend, Bayern travelled to VfL Bochum, who inflicted Nagelsmann's heaviest defeat of his reign so far in a shock 4-2 win for the newly-promoted side last season. However, Bayern ran out 7-0 victors this time around in a ruthless display of finishing ability.
For the second time in three matches, Bayern were at least four goals ahead at the half-time interval, with Matthijs de Ligt's first goal for the club sandwiched by strikes from Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman, who were both making their first starts of the season. Sadio Mane made it four goals in four matches with his first brace for his new club, with Serge Gnabry sealing the rout after Cristian Gamboa's own goal.
Despite total domination, Manuel Neuer did have seven saves to make across the course of the match, which Nagelsmann may view as an area where there is clear room for improvement, especially ahead of a home match against in-form Gladbach.
© Reuters
After all, Gladbach were one of only two wins to win at the Allianz Arena in the Bundesliga last season, with Florian Neuhaus and Stefan Lainer responding after Robert Lewandowski's early opener.
Under Daniel Farke's new management, Die Fohlen are playing much better now than they were heading into that surprise 2-1 win in January, too, suggesting that they may have a decent chance of recording another upset on Saturday.
The former Norwich City boss made it two wins from two at Borussia-Park against Hertha Berlin last time out, with Alassane Plea's first-half penalty proving to be the difference between the two sides, although their victory should have been made more comfortable given that Jonas Hofmann missed from the spot with 20 minutes of normal time remaining.
Saturday's trip to Munich undoubtedly provides Farke with his biggest test since taking charge in the summer, but having made such a strong start to the season, he and his players can treat the match as something of a free hit. As such, they can play with the type of expression and speed in transition which has hurt Bayern in the past.
- W
- W
- W
- W
- W
- W
- W
- W
- D
- W
- W
- W
- D
- W
Team News
© Reuters
Bayern were without Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala for last weekend's trip to Bochum, which made the extent of their thrashing all the more impressive given the duo's strong form in the opening weeks of the campaign.
Along with Eric Choupo-Moting, the pair have returned to first-team training this week after minor muscle strains, and they could slot straight back into the starting XI. Gnabry is also likely to be recalled from the start after scoring from the bench last time out.
Leon Goretzka remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Dayot Upamecano may receive a rest in order to allow de Ligt another start after scoring last weekend, with the Dutchman potentially partnering Lucas Hernandez at the heart of Bayern's defence for the first time.
Gladbach, meanwhile, may be forced to travel without Ramy Bensebaini as the left-back is suffering with flu.
Nineteen-year-old Luca Netz is on stand-by to replace the Algerian should he be ruled out, while Lainer - who scored in his side's win against Bayern in January - and Torben Musel are unlikely to feature due to leg injuries.
Lars Stindl returned to the matchday squad against Hertha after recovering from a muscle strain, but he was an unused substitute and is unlikely to start against Bayern given his lack of match fitness and Farke's potential wish to keep the central midfield area packed against such strong opponents.
Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:
Neuer; Pavard, De Ligt, Hernandez, Davies; Sabitzer, Kimmich; Gnabry, Muller, Musiala; Mane
Borussia Monchengladbach possible starting lineup:
Sommer; Scally, Itakura, Elvedi, Netz; Kramer, Kone, Neuhaus; Hofmann, Thuram, Plea
We say: Bayern Munich 3-1 Borussia Monchengladbach
Despite Gladbach's strong form heading into this fixture and their shock win at the Allianz Arena in January, we expect the Bavarians to be too strong for them in the end this time around.
Goals seem likely with both teams usually deploying expansive styles, and we expect Gladbach to make Bayern work harder for their victory than most teams will this season.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Brett Curtis
