Two of Bundesliga’s top four face off with so much still to play for

It’s safe to say that this has been one of the most unpredictable Bundesliga seasons of recent years.

We’ve seen the likes of FC Schalke 04 go from Champions League hopefuls to mid-table mediocrity, while the league’s longest serving club, Werder Bremen face the possibility of their first relegation since 1980.

But Bayern Munich, and their opponents on Saturday night, Borussia Mönchengladbach also fall in to these categories.

Bayern suffered one of the most embarrassing defeats in their history back in November. That was a 5-1 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt, which cost boss Niko Kovač his job.

Meanwhile Mönchengladbach started the season well. They had won nine of their opening 12 league games, and stood top of the table.

And when these two faced off on December 7, the results reflected their starts to the season. Remy Bensebiani’s brace, which included a 92nd minute penalty, helped Die Fohlen come from behind to win 2-1.

That win maintained Marco Rose’s side position at the top of the league. They were seven points clear of Bayern, who weren’t even in a European position. Many must have been wondering if it was the end of an era for the German giants.

But if there is one thing we have learnt over the last eight years, whether that’d be under Jupp Heynckes, Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti or even under Kovač and current boss, Hansi Dieter Flick, is that you cannot write off Bayern Munich.

Bayern have been in remarkable formPhoto credit: ANDREAS GEBERT, Reuters

The defeat at Borussia Park, has proven to be Bayern’s last defeat. Flick has shaken off the club’s (as well as his own) shaky start, and picked up where his predecessors left off. Finding the winning formula.

They have been on a devastating run of form. They find themselves undefeated in 17 league matches, 16 of those are wins, which has helped them move seven points clear at the top of the Division. They have scored 90 goals already this season, that is the most any team has scored after 30 games in the league’s history.

Their form has continued into the DFB Pokal as well, and Robert Lewandowski’s goal 15 minutes from time puts Bayern on course for a potential league and cup double.

The same could not be said for Borussia Mönchengladbach however, their form has stumbled since then. Their hopes of a first league title since 1977 have faded, and even qualification for the Champions League is not guaranteed.

But Die Fohlen have a good recent run against their opponents. They have won three of their last five matches again the champions elect, including the 2-1 victory back in December.

A win for the visitors would most likely keep them above fifth placed Bayer Leverkusen, depending on their result against Hoffenheim tonight. While a win for Bayern would put them within touching distance of an eighth consecutive title. They could be crown champions, but that depends on Dortmund’s result as Düsseldorf.

Team News

Bayern will be without key players Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Müller as they are both suspended. Corentin Tolissso will be out with an ankle injury, while Niko Süle is lacking match fitness. Thiago will also miss the match after he went a groin operation after Wednesday’s clash with Frankfurt. Serge Gnabry and Philippe Coutinho are doubts.

Mönchengladbach will be without Alassane Plea with is suspended, Tobias Stobl has a hamstring problem, while Denis Zakaria continue to recover from his knee injury.