FC Bayern contest the primetime Saturday evening fixture for the first time in this Bundesliga season this weekend (live text and free Web Radio from 18:30 CEST on fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern app) - and it’s a match-up that’s worthy of the billing. The league leaders from Munich host second-placed Borussia Mönchengladbach at the Allianz Arena. All the information on the match is right here:
Check out the images from Friday’s training session here:
The situation for Bayern
Having started the campaign with a maximum haul of four wins from four competitive matches, Bayern are in bullish mood ahead of Saturday evening’s encounter. “It’s a top-of-the-table clash that we want to win at home. We’re in good form, are full of confidence and have had another very good final training session,” revealed Julian Nagelsmann in Friday’s press conference. That’s not altered by the fact that Nagelsmann and his side failed to win any of their three meetings with Gladbach last season. “Basically we don’t fear anyone,” he stated, dismissing any talk of a supposed bogey team. Nagelsmann sees the game as more of an opportunity to pull away early in the season. “It’s important that we don’t stumble and show consistency,” said the FCB boss - then nothing is stopping Bayern from continuing their good start.
Bayern are proven experts when it comes to top-of-the-table matches:
The opponents: Borussia Mönchengladbach
With seven points from three games and second place in the table, Borussia have enjoyed their best start to a Bundesliga campaign in four years under new coach Daniel Farke. The Foals are unbeaten in seven league matches going back to last season, when they finished tenth, and are now aiming to get a result in Munich. “We’re travelling to Munich with respect but without fear and with the belief that we can be competitive, if we produce a good performance in all areas,” said a confident Farke. However, the 45-year-old coach doesn’t see Gladbach’s 2-1 success at the Allianz Arena in the teams’ last meeting as necessarily an advantage. “We can’t take anything from our successes in the past,” said the former Norwich City boss, who expects instead that Bayern will now have “an extra dose of motivation to beat us”.
Watch Julian Nagelsmann’s press conference in full:
The team news for FC Bayern vs. Gladbach
After sitting out last Sunday’s win at Bochum, Alphonso Davies is fit enough to start again, as Nagelsmann confirmed. Jamal Musiala, who likewise missed the last match, could also return. Leon Goretzka joined in with some parts of team training on Friday for the first time since his knee surgery in mid-July, but the 27-year-old is not yet an option for Saturday, just like Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who is recovering after kidney stone surgery.
Gladbach are expected to be without Stefan Lainer due to “inflammation in the knee”, revealed Farke. A late decision will be made on Ramy Bensebaini who has been suffering with flu.
All the stats on the clash with Gladbach:
What the coaches say
Julian Nagelsmann: “You sense a really good spirit and energy in the team. When we bring this energy onto the pitch, it’s hard against us. It’s important that we focus a bit more on ourselves. The others will work hard to stop us.”
Daniel Farke (Borussia Mönchengladbach): “No team have yet been able to match FC Bayern this season. We know we need to be on our game if we’re going to hold our own there. We’re highly motivated, looking forward to the challenge and want to achieve what no team have yet achieved against Bayern this season.”
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