Bundesliga: Refreshed Bayern Face Freiburg Test

SC Freiburg vs Bayern Munich

After a much-needed break to rest and refresh, Bayern Munich are back in action in the Bundesliga as they face fifth-placed Freiburg this weekend.

Bayern have been quite inconsistent over the last few weeks, with some unexpected setbacks keeping them from building a much bigger lead at the top of the table.

But with Bayern’s squad finally getting healthy, the Bundesliga 2022 betting odds will back Julian Nagelsmann’s side to take care of business even against a tough Freiburg side that has gone undefeated in its last six games.

Talking Points

Bayern getting back to full strength

Bayern Munich have not been at their usual all-conquering self of late. They’ve suffered some surprising setbacks such as their 4-2 defeat to Bochum and draws against Leverkusen at home and Hoffenheim away in the league. They were also held to a draw in their Champions League round-of-16 first leg against Salzburg, although they eventually won 8-2 on aggregate.

But despite those hiccups, Julian Nagelsmann’s side is still six points clear at the top of the table and still odds-on favourites to claim their 10th Bundesliga title in a row.

Nagelsmann has had to deal with some injury concerns of late, which have played a part in Bayern’s inconsistent form. But the Bavarians are set to get some key players back after the break.

Leon Gortezka is perhaps the most important player to return to the side. The German midfielder has missed the last three months due to a knee injury, and his absence has been keenly felt. His return at the heart of midfield alongside Joshua Kimmich should be a huge boost to Bayern.

Meanwhile, defenders Benjamin Pavard and Alphonso Davies are also likely to return to the squad to stabilise a defence that has been unsettled of late.

Amid the absence of Goretza, Nagelsmann has experimented with an unusually attacking lineup that features four attacking midfielders – Thomas Muller, Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sane, and Serge Gnabry or Jamal Musiala – playing behind superstar striker Robert Lewandowski.

But with Goretzka’s return, Nagelsmann is likely to return to a more familiar 4-2-3-1 formation that still packs a punch going forward but has added stability in midfield in defence.

Freiburg still fighting for fourth

Freiburg’s hopes of making the Champions League are under serious threat amid the resurgence of RB Leipzig under Domenico Tedesco. They are currently in fifth, tied with Leipzig at 45 points but have an inferior goal difference.

But Christian Streich’s side has remained one of the form teams in the league as their latest Bundesliga 2022 results have seen them go on a six-game unbeaten run (3 wins, 3 draws). That includes a well-earned point away at Leipzig, who needed a 90th-minute equaliser by Angelino to salvage a draw.

However, Freiburg dropped two crucial points when they were held to a shock draw by bottom side Greuther Fuerth just before the break. Freiburg were without both South Korean forward Jeong Woo-Yeong and starting defender Philipp Lienhart, who both tested positive for Covid, but they should be back to face Bayern.

However, midfielder Maximilian Eggestein and key defender Nico Schlotterbeck are both doubts, and either one’s absence would be a huge blow to the side.

Schlotterbeck, who made his full international debut for Germany during the break, has been one of the top defenders in the Bundesliga this season and could be set to make a move to a bigger club (possibly Bayern) in the summer. He is a major reason for Freiburg having the second-best defensive record in the league with just 29 goals conceded.

History

Bayern Munich have utterly dominated Freiburg over the years. The Bavarians have won 17 of their last 23 league meetings, with just five draws and only one defeat.

Freiburg’s last win over Bayern came at home in 2015. Since then, Bayern have won eight of their last 11 meetings. That includes their first match this season, where Bayern won 2-1 thanks to goals from Goretzka and Lewandowski.

Although, Freiburg did hold Bayern to a 2-2 draw the last time the champions visited their home ground.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Bayern Munich installed as heavy 1.49 favourites to pick up the away win. Freiburg are priced at 5.40, while a draw is 4.70.

The international break should do Bayern a world of good. Not only did it give players time to heal and recover, but it also gave Nagelsmann the opportunity to fine-tune his tactics. Look for those adjustments to bear fruit against Freiburg, as Bayern should have enough firepower to come away with a comfortable win.

 

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