Borussia Monchengladbach vs Bayern Munich

Perennial Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich make an intriguing trip to Borussia Park to encounter mid-table Borussia Monchengladbach this weekend.

Last week’s underwhelming 4-1 defeat at relegation-bound Hertha Berlin left out-of-sorts Borussia Monchengladbach at one win in five Bundesliga matches in 2023 (D1, L3), hindering their hopes of returning into a fierce battle for European placings. Stuck nine points adrift of sixth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt, ‘Die Fohlen’ come into proceedings seeking their first top-flight home win of 2023 (D1, L1) following a tepid 0-0 draw against rock-bottom Schalke last time out. It’s worth noting that before drawing a blank against the ‘Miners,’ Daniel Farke’s team had scored 2+ goals in three straight home league outings (W2, L1), suggesting they won’t roll over against Bayern. On top of their free-scoring home form, the hosts have registered three wins in their last four competitive H2Hs at Borussia Park (D1).

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s confidence is skyrocketing after a 1-0 away win at PSG in midweek Champions League action, which puts them on the cusp of an 11th appearance in the competition’s quarter-finals in the last 12 seasons. Moreover, after starting the new calendar year with a hat-trick of 1-1 Bundesliga draws, the ‘Bavarians’ have won four consecutive matches in all competitions without conceding. But despite an overwhelming 3-0 home romping of Bochum last weekend, Julian Nagelsmann’s men cannot afford to get complacent as they start this round only one point clear of second-placed Union Berlin. The record-time German champions should be safe and sound, though, having lost just one of their opening 19 Bundesliga fixtures (W12, D7) for the first time since 2016/17 under Carlo Ancelotti.