Given the history of the fixture, a goalless draw is the least likely of all outcomes when FC Bayern visit Hannover on Saturday: first, because only two of 51 Bundesliga meetings to date have ended in scoreless draws, and second, because the FCB forwards are traditionally in prolific form against ‘96. Bayern have scored three or more goals in more than half (28) their league games against the men from Lower Saxony; FCB’s goals-per-game average in the last 13 meetings stands at 3.6; and the Reds have scored ten and conceded just once in their last two trips to Hannover. Unsurprisingly, Hannover have conceded more goals against Bayern (141 / 2.7 per match) than against any other team. And 96’s biggest league defeat was a 7-0 reverse against FCB in April 2007.
Bayern’s fine record
Bayern’s overall league record against H96 reads won 34, drawn eight and lost only nine. The men from Lower Saxony have lost more often to FCB than any other Bundesliga opponents. The Bavarians have also won the last seven meetings (six in the Bundesliga and one DFB Cup tie), scoring 27 goals and conceding only three.
Lewandowski the specialist
Robert Lewandowski patently enjoys playing Hannover: the Polish hitman has nine goals in nine league appearances against ‘96. He only boasts a more deadly record against Freiburg with ten goals in eight games. Both he and Arjen Robben scored twice in the Reds’ 4-0 win in the reverse fixture this term. The Dutchman himself is on six career goals against Hannover.
Lewandowski the helper
Munich man Lewandowski has personally stepped in to help Poland take part in the Blind Football European Championships 2015 in Great Britain. The Poles were in danger of having to withdraw due to shortage of funds, as the team’s annual grant amounts to some 20,000 Zloty (approx. €5,000), but a total of 55,000 Zloty will be required to take part, explained coach Lubomir Prask. However, partly thanks to Lewandowski’s support, “we nearly have all the money we need. Our dream is set to come true,” reported Prask. Lewandowski has been in touch with the players, “and it’s unbelievable to be supported by such a big star.”
Welz in charge
Tobias Welz will take charge of FC Bayern’s match at Hannover. The police officer from Wiesbaden referees a Bundesliga contest involving FCB for the tenth time; he most recently took charge of Guardiola’s men in the 4-1 restart defeat away to Wolfsburg, although the Reds’ record under Welz is positive with seven wins, a draw and the one defeat. The 37-year-old’s assistants in Hannover are Rafael Foltyn and Dr Martin Thomsen, with Tobias Stieler as the fourth official.
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