Bayern Munich vs SC Freiburg
Bayern Munich is having a bad start to kick off 2021, and now they’ll face another challenge when they host in-form SC Freiburg at the Allianz Arena this Sunday.
After winning three straight league matches, the defending Bundesliga champions have lost two straight. They have already lost more matches in 2021 than they did in 2020 and the new year is just getting started.
But despite this, Hansi Flick’s side remain on top of the German top-flight standings with 33 points as second-seeded RB Leipzig missed their chance to overtake with a defeat against Borussia Dortmund.
Nonetheless, the Bavarian giants’ margin for error is getting smaller as the other contenders are slowly catching up.
On the other hand, SC Freiburg are the hottest team in the Bundesliga right now. They have already won five straight league games and have climbed to the eighth spot with 23 points.
Can SC Freiburg maintain their undefeated streak with another win? Or will the defending champions stop them on their tracks?
Talking Points
Bayern Munich are on a mini-slump
It has been a testy week for the defending Bundesliga champions as they are on a two-match skid.
They were defeated during their game against Borussia Monchengladbach as the latter got the best of them in the second half.
In the preview of the said match, I’ve already pointed out the possible consequences of them being complacent. But even if they kept that in mind, they still came up short.
After back-to-back goals in the 20th and 26th minute, it looked like the game was already in the bag for Hansi Flick and co.
However, the Foals mounted a rally that saw them score the equaliser in the 45th minute. And Florian Neuhaus delivered the knockout blow with the game-winning goal early in the second half.
Few days later, Bayern Munich suffered another big setback.
They bowed out of the DFB Pokal second round when they were dealt with a shocking upset against Bundesliga 2 promotion chasers Holstein Kiel in a match that was decided via a penalty shootout.
Given their poor form in their past few games, Hansi Flick is expected to bring out all his guns for this game.
Leon Goretzka, who didn’t play against Kiel due to a knock, is expected to return in the starting lineup alongside Joshua Kimmich in the middle.
Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski should be cleared to start as well after coming off the bench against Kiel. The Polish striker has 23 goals and five assists so far.
SC Freiburg have created a winning formula
The Black Forest will face their biggest test yet as they try to add on to their positive Bundesliga 2021 results.
Since losing to Mainz in late November, SC Freiburg have registered two draws and five straight wins. And now they will look to make it six victories in a row.
What’s clicking for Christian Streich’s side lately is their fast-paced attack. Freiburg have scored at least two goals during the said stretch – including a 5-0 beating against Koln in the last time out.
Vincenzo Grifo and Ermedin Demirovic have stepped up big for SC Freiburg and they will be tasked to carry the load once more this weekend. They have accounted for nine goals and eight assists so far.
Nils Petersen is another x-factor for the Black Forest since he’s put in five goals under his belt already.
History
It’s no secret that Bayern Munich are the heavy favourites in this contest since they have been historically dominant over SC Freiburg.
The Bavarian giants are undefeated against Freiburg when they’re at home in particular, winning 17 and drawing three times.
Vincenzo Grifo, who has been one of Freiburg’s main protagonists at the attack, has been lethal during their winning streak. However, he has only scored once against Die Bayern in six meetings.
After a defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach in the 14th matchday last term, Bayern Munich went on to go undefeated en route to their ninth straight championship. Can they repeat such trend this season?
Betting Tip
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Bayern Munich vs SC Freiburg | Bayern Munich Asian Handicap -1.75 @ 1.77 |
| January 17, 10:30(GMT+8) |
The Bundesliga 2021 odds here at SBOTOP see the Bavarian giants coming away with a much-needed victory.
Bayern Munich are the odds-on favourites at 1.23, while SC Freiburg are priced below at 9.25 and chances for a draw are at 6.60 in the 1X2 market.
Bayern Munich would need to fix their act quickly if they want to successfully defend their title, so they can’t afford another letdown.
But while SC Freiburg have the tools to give the Bavarian giants a scare, the hosts should eventually come away with a much-needed win possibly via a late goal.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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