Bayern quest to reclaim Meisterschale goes on

Bayern München prepare to continue on with their quest to reclaim the Bundesliga title as they host strugglers Bochum at Allianz Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Bayern München

Sitting at the top of the Bundesliga, Bayern have amassed 61 points and sit eight ahead of second-placed Bayer Leverkusen, who fell to a 3-0 defeat against the league leaders in an all-important Champions League Round of 16 first leg on Wednesday evening.

Despite sitting at the summit for the entirety of the campaign, questions were raised regarding Bayern earlier in February after struggling in consecutive matches against Celtic and Leverkusen. However, since the club’s sensational 4-0 win on home soil against Eintracht Frankfurt, Vincent Kompany’s men have risen to sensational levels in wins against Stuttgart and the aforementioned European win against Leverkusen.

Bayern are in fine form, with the side winning eight and drawing two of their last 10 outings in all competitions while winning nine of their last 10 Bundesliga matches. 

Looking to carry momentum in the weekend, Kompany’s men aim to take further control on their way to a title that seems somewhat of a certainty.

Team News

After being forced off due to a calf injury against Leverkusen, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is set to miss a significant portion of the remaining weeks. Jonas Urbig is likely to step into the starting XI after replacing Neuer on Wednesday.

With a possible eye on next weeks second leg, Kompany may opt to rest several key starters. Serge Gnabry and Thomas Müller are both potential options for the head coach.

Bochum

Bochum enter this weekend after suffering a disappointing 1-0 defeat against fellow strugglers Hoffenheim. 

Dieter Hecking’s side currently occupy the relegation playoff spot and sit four points away from 15th-placed St. Pauli. However to make matters worse for Bochum, their next three fixtures feature the leagues current top three. 

However, with recent form in mind, Hecking’s men have only been beaten once in their last four matches, winning one of these and drawing two. 

Away from home though, the record is alarming given the fact that Bochum have won just one match on the road in 13 attempts this season.

Team News

Whilst the injury list is not extensive, Hecking will have to cope with the absence of attackers Gerrit Holtmann and Myron Boadu. Giorgos Masouras and Philipp Hoffman are likely to start up top for the visitors. 

Ivan Ordets will not return to the pitch until later this month, Tim Oermann, Jakov Medic and Bernardo will likely form a back three, behind a midfield of Matus Bero, Ibrahima Sissoko and Tom Krauß.