Two of the best Bundesliga teams face off this weekend as Bayern Munich will look to extend their lead atop the table against Europa League holders Eintracht Frankfurt in Saturday's late kick-off.
Bayern sit five points clear of Union Berlin in second place on 36 points and five points ahead of their opponents at the Allianz Arena. Frankfurt are in fourth place coming into the game, just five points behind the reigning Champions and looking to close the gap to the leaders.
The visitors will look to avenge a horror show that started their 2022/23 campaign.
Die Adler headed into half-time 5-0 down at half-time as Bayern strolled to a 6-1 victory when they visited the Deutsche Bank Park on the opening day of the season.
Frankfurt returned after the Winter break with a bang, comfortably beating Schalke 04 3-0 thanks to goals from Jesper Lindstrom, Rafael Santos Borre and Portuguese defender Aurelio Buta. This was followed up by a 1-1 draw away to SC Freiburg thanks to a first half strike from French international Randal Kolo Muani.
In contrast, Bayern have made a disappointing return to league football.
Back-to-back 1-1 draws against RB Leipzig and then FC Koln with goals from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and then a last minute equaliser from Joshua Kimmich salvaged a point in midweek have kept the chasing pack just a few points behind in the Bundesliga table.
However, the hosts have the divisions best attack and defence having scored 51 goals and conceded just 15. Frankfurt themselves are strong in both boxes with 36 goals scored (third top scorers) and 25 goals conceded (sixth best defensive record). This game is likely to be as tight as it comes.
-
Team News
Bayern Munich
No new updates to the Bayern team but it is good to see Sadio Mane has began running again in training, but is still likely to be out for a number of weeks before he returns to action.
Kingsley Coman is potentially looking at a start following Serge Gnabry being hauled off at half-time against Koln. Earlier this week he was slammed by sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic following a trip to Paris Fashion Week and may see him dropped to the bench as further punishment.
Following another goal from Choupo-Moting last weekend he is likely to start again through the middle as the club and manager Julain Nagelsmann love the energy he brings to the team. Since the restart he has named an unchanged side but due to the back-to-back draws, Nagelsmann may feel a change is needed to his side.
Eintracht Frankfurt
The visitors will be without wing-backs Eric Ebimbe after coming off against Schalke with an ankle injury. Left-sided wing-back Luca Pellegrini also looks set to miss out due to a calf issue.
Oliver Glasner looks set to continue with a similar lineup to that of which played against Freiburg with Christopher Lenz and Ansgar Knauff deployed as the wing-backs.
-
Likely Lineup
Bayern Munich
Sommer; Pavard, Upamecano, De Ligt, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Sane, Musiala, Coman; Choupo-Moting
Eintracht Frankfurt
Trapp; Tuta, Smolcic, Ndicka; Knauff, Kamada, Sow, Lenz; Lindstrom, Gotze; Kolo Muani
-
Key Players
Bayern Munich - Jamal Musiala
Jamal Musiala is not only their very own wunderkind but arguably the talisman for the champions at the minute. He was the standout performer in what was a drab World Cup campaign for Die Mannschaft.
He leads the team in both goals and assists, getting on the scoresheet nine times along with setting up six. Starting in the number 10 role, he likes to drift out wide and is given the freedom to pick up the ball and run at defenders from all areas of the pitch.
His ability to glide across the pitch is what makes him standout and with the work rate of Choupo-Moting, he is able to run beyond the Cameroonian international as he covers the middle of the pitch, allowing Musiala to work his magic in the final third.
Eintracht Frankfurt - Daichi Kamada
The Japanese international is the driving force behind this Frankfurt side and their success so far this season. Daichi Kamada has an ability to drag the team out of danger and away at Bayern where they will lack possession, his athletic ability will be key to hitting the champions on the counter.
So far this season he has three assists and is the top scorer with seven goals despite playing in a slightly deeper role as of late. He is likely to lineup in the central midfield position and alongside Djibril Sow they make a strong due both in and out of possession.
Despite his neat feet and flair catching the eye, he has won 92 tackles this season and will be required to continue getting stuck in when faced with a tough midfield battle. Expect Kamada to drive play out on the counter and look to take on defenders in the final third.
-
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
Bayern will be hosting Frankfurt at the Allianz Arena.
What time if kick-off?
This is the late Bundesliga game on Saturday, kicking off at 17:30 GMT.
How can I watch?
The game will be live to UK viewers on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football – you won't want to miss this one.