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Bayern Munich v Augsburg (Sat 2.30pm)
Bayern went four points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table before the international break after their 3-1 win at Borussia Dortmund. Of the six consecutive victories that Bayern have strung together since Jupp Heynckes’ return, this was the most impressive.
That didn’t mean Heynckes was getting carried away: “We are not yet playing the stuff of champions.”
Perhaps that was also a nod in the direction of how much Sven Ulreich had helped them out. Bayern’s back-up goalkeeper has raised his game since Heynckes' arrival and his performance against Dortmund was his best yet.
He’s unlikely to be tested as much when Augsburg come to town for a Bavarian derby. That’s not to say Manuel Baum’s side aren’t capable of causing Bayern problems. Their performances against Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig so far this season showed what they’re capable of.
One win in their last six games doesn’t perhaps do justice for the good season that they’re having. They’re likely to be without Michael Gregoritsch due to an ankle problem, so expect Icelandic forward Alfred Finnbogason to step in for him up front.
Bayern meanwhile welcome back Jerome Boateng and Thomas Müller from injury but it’s unlikely that both will go straight back into the starting lineup.
A home win should be expected but as the Dortmund game showed, Bayern are still defensively susceptible. It’s very unlikely Augsburg will get anything in terms of points at the Allianz Arena but a goal certainly isn’t far-fetched.
Raphael's Tips
- Correct score: Bayern 3, Augsburg 1 (17-2, Unibet)
- First scorer: Lewandowksi (19-1-, Unibet)
- Both teams to to score (21-20, Unibet)
Leverkusen v Leipzig (Sat 2.30pm)
It was at Leverkusen last year that Leipzig went to the top of the Bundesliga for the very first time. They arrive this year four points off the summit and in need of a win if the Bundesliga is to have a title race this season.
No team has beaten Leverkusen at the BayArena just yet this season though, with Heiko Herrlich’s side on a seven-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
Their 1-1 draw at Augsburg last time out however was not one of their strongest displays so far this season.
Sven Bender fractured ribs in that game and is a doubt for Saturday’s match. Leipzig were not necessarily at their best against Hannover before the international break.
All the same, they did well to come from behind and win 2-1, with Timo Werner’s late winner making it five wins in Leipzig’s last six Bundesliga games.
Werner carried that momentum into the international break, scoring for Germany against France but he did fluff a few chances both in that game and against England on the Friday night.
Still, with Leverkusen’s defence porous at the best of times, he’ll need to be watched carefully. At the back for the visitors, centre-back Willi Orban is available again with the Leipzig captain having served a one-game ban for his red card against Bayern Munich.
This encounter was one of the games of the season last year. Leverkusen are in better shape now than they were then and with Leipzig never shy away from home, this promises to be another gripping encounter.
Raphael's Tips
- Correct score: Leverkusen 1, Leipzig 3 (17-1, Unibet)
- First scorer: Lucas Alario (23-4, Unibet)
- Over 3.5 goals (33-25, Unibet)
Munich-born Raphael Honigstein writes about football for Germany’s biggest broadsheet, Süddeutsche Zeitung, the Guardian, ESPNFC and his tips appear here thanks to our football partner at MrFixitsTips, Unibet. They're making a big splash in the UK betting scene and if you join them today you can claim up to £30 in Welcome Bonuses when you deposit and place your first bet.
Munich-born Raphael Honigstein writes about football for Germany’s biggest broadsheet, Süddeutsche Zeitung, the Guardian, ESPNFC and others. He’s a regular pundit on BT Sport’s European Football Show and the author of “Englischer Fussball: A German View of Our Beautiful Game”. His favourite food is Schnitzel, predictably.
