Bundesliga: Can Struggling Gladbach Bring Down Covid-Hit Bayern?

Bayern Munich vs Borussia Monchengladbach

Bayern Munich will return to Bundesliga action this weekend in rotten shape. They suffered a massive Covid outbreak during the winter break that could leave them without several first-team players.

But even with their rash of absentees, the Bundesliga 2022 betting odds will still have them favoured at home against struggling Borussia Monchengladbach.

Gladbach have gone winless in their last five matches while suffering some heavy defeats as they languish dangerously close to the relegation zone.

Although, the Foals have had their fair share of success against the Bavarians in recent years, and Adi Hutter’s side will have the advantage of taking on a much-weakened Bayern.

Talking Points

Bayern in bad shape due to Covid outbreak

Bayern Munich went into the winter break in fantastic form. They had won seven consecutive games in all competitions, five of which came in the Bundesliga as they have opened up a commanding nine-point lead at the top of the table.

But the Bavarians are in bad shape as they return from the break. They have a host of Covid cases to deal with, as captain Manuel Neuer, centre-backs Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Hernandez, midfielder Corentin Tolisso, and wingers Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman have all tested positive.

Midfielder Joshua Kimmich is only just making his way back after his rough bout with Covid, while fellow midfielder Leon Goretza is dealing with an injury.

With so many absentees in their squad, it remains to be seen whether Bayern will be able to field the minimum of 15 players needed for the match to be played.

If the match does push through, Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann will have to make do with a severely depleted side, especially in defence with Neuer, Upamecano, and Hernandez missing.

Sven Ulreich will have to deputise in goal, Kimmich could be forced to fill in at right-back, and the out-of-form Marcel Sabitzer could be handed a start in midfield.

Luckily for Bayern, the dynamic duo of Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller look ready to make some more Bundesliga 2022 highlights. Lewandowski once again leads the Bundesliga with 19 goals in 17 games, while Muller once again leads in assists with 13.

And with Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala offering support, that foursome figures to be quite a formidable attacking force.

Bayern once again have a fantastic home record this season, with eight wins in their nine Bundesliga matches at the Allianz Arena.

Gladbach going down under Hutter

Adi Hutter has had a dreadful debut season at Borussia Monchengladbach thus far. The Foals are currently down in 14th in the table, just two points off the relegation play-off place.

Gladbach went into the winter break with on a run of five games without a win in the Bundesliga. That included heavy defeats away to Koln (4-1) and Leipzig (4-1) as well as a historic 6-0 home thrashing at the hands of Freiburg.

Hutter has not found a way to get the best out of his talented squad, notably his stable of fine forwards. The trio of Alassane Plea, Breel Embolo, and Lars Stindl has scored just seven goals between them this season after combining for 25 last year. Meanwhile, French international Marcus Thuram has yet to score at all as he continues to struggle after his knee injury last summer.

Gladbach have also been a mess defensively. They’ve already conceded 32 goals, the third-most in the league. They have been particularly awful away from home, where they’ve won just one of nine games, with six defeats. They have also conceded 19 goals in nine games, with just eight goals scored.

History

Borussia Monchengladbach are one of the few teams in Germany that have actually had a good deal of success against Bayern in recent years. Over their last 27 Bundesliga meetings, they have taken eight wins to Bayern’s 12, while they have held the Bavarians to seven draws.

The two sides met earlier this year in the DFB Pokal, with Gladbach stunning all of Germany by thumping Bayern 5-0.

However, Bayern did smash Gladbach 6-0 the last time they played at the Allianz Arena, with Lewandowski netting a hat-trick.

Betting Tip 

	Bayern Munich vs Borussia Monchengladbach	Under 4.00 @ 1.77
	January 08, 3:30 (GMT+8)

Despite all the Covid absentees, SBOTOP odds have Bayern Munich installed as significant 1.29 favourites to continue their winning run against Gladbach, who are priced at 7.40 to beat the Bavarians.

Upon first inspection, this battle between the league’s leading scorers and one of the most porous defences should lead to a good deal of goals. But with Bayern so badly hit with Covid, they may not be at the very best coming out of the break, even with Lewandowski and Muller still leading the attack.

Instead, I believe Gladbach will give Bayern a more competitive match than expected, and while Bayern should still win, it will be in a low-scoring affair.

 

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