German record champions Bayern Munich travel to northern German giants Werder Bremen tonight in search of their eighth consecutive Bundesliga title. At the same time, Bremen are embroiled in a three-horse relegation scrap, and getting anything out of this match would be a massive step towards survival. The game is a clash with implications at both sides of the table.
Bayern Munich on Brink of Title
Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Müller Are Back
Robert Lewandowski, Bayern’s leading goalscorer, and Thomas Müller, their leader in assists, were both suspended for Saturday’s match against fifth-place Borussia Mönchengladbach. The two attackers are back in the squad for today’s match. While midfielder Thiago is injured, the usual Bayern suspects will be leading the attack against Bremen.
Bayern Weren’t at Their Best Against Borussia Mönchengladbach
Hansi Flick’s men were victorious over Marco Rose’s side on Saturday, but the fixture was incredibly tight. An error from Gladbach keeper Yann Sommer in the first half allowed Bayern youngster Joshua Zirkzee to open the scoring. Die Fohlen had the better chances, however, grabbing the equaliser from a Benjamin Pavard own goal 10 minutes later. A draw seemed imminent until Leon Goretzka latched onto a Pavard cross to win the match for Bayern.
Werder Bremen are Fighting for Survival
While Bayern are looking to lift the Meisterschalle, Bremen are hoping to avoid their first relegation since 1980. Florian Kohfeldt’s men are in 17th place, an automatic relegation spot. They are level on points with 16th place Fortuna Düsseldorf. Mainz 05 are in 15th place, leading the two clubs by three points. If there is an upset against Bayern tonight, it will go a long way towards the northern German giants avoiding automatic relegation.
Bremen Are Coming Off a Massive Victory Against SC Paderborn
In one of the biggest bottom-of-the-table clashes this season, Bremen beat last place SC Paderborn by five goals to one on Saturday. The defeat essentially ensures Paderborn’s relegation, but the victory gave Bremen a massive confidence boost. With the likes of Davy Klaassen, Milot Rashica and Leonardo Bittencourt, Bremen have the ability to put pressure on the Bayern defence. Kohfeldt will surely fire up his squad for tonight’s fixture, telling his players that a point against the Die Roten is not an improbability.
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