Who would’ve though that the match between FC Bayern and Hertha Berlin on Wednesday (20:00 CEST) would be a top-of-the-table clash with special omens? Both first-placed Bayern and the pursuers from Berlin still have 100-percent records after three games. That means that matchday 4 will see two sides who have won their first three matches face each other. That has only happened once in the Bundesliga: in 1963! And it is the first time that Bayern and Hertha face off as first and second place, respectively.
History favours Reds
The German champions have an excellent record against the side from the capital. In 62 games between the sides in the top flight, FCB have won 37 (16 draws and just nine defeats). The Bavarians have also been particularly successful in recent times: From the last 25 Bundesliga meetings, Bayern have lost just once (2-1 in Berlin on 14th February 2009). The Reds have claimed all three points in the last ten matches.
Strong Oktoberfest record
FC Bayern’s impressive record during the Oktoberfest was strengthened on Saturday thanks to the 3-1 win over Ingolstadt. The Reds have not lost in 19 Bundesliga matches during the Wiesn (16 wins, 3 draws), with a goal record of 49 scored and just four conceded. The Bavarians are particularly strong at home with the three draws during Oktoberfest all coming on the road.
Goals guaranteed for Lewandowski
He scores and he scores and he scores... Top scorer Robert Lewandowski is seamlessly building on his form from last season. The Pole has bagged five goals in the first three Bundesliga matches – Thomas Müller did the same in 2015/16. Lewandowski has found the back of the net in the last five league matches – his longest run in a Bayern shirt. The striker has so far scored 28 goals in all competitions this calendar year – the same amount as Hertha.
Joyful return
If Jérôme Boateng makes his full return from injury on Wednesday, he will face his hometown club. The man from Berlin played for the Old Lady from 2002 to 2007. There are currently five players at Hertha who have a past with FCB: Mitchell Weiser, Thomas Kraft, Sebastian Langkamp, Alexander Baumjohann and Sinan Kurt are all former Reds.
Fritz in charge
Marco Fritz is the man with the whistle for this meeting between FC Bayern and Hertha BSC. The banker from Korb takes charge of his first FCB match this season. The last time he refereed a Bayern match was a happy affair for the Munich side because that was the DFB Cup final against Borussia Dortmund (4-3 on penalties). His assistants on Wednesday are Dominik Schaal and Marcel Pelgrim. Dr. Martin Thomsen is the fourth official.
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