Bayern Munich versus Schalke’04: German Bundesliga Preview
The fourth-placed, Bayern Munich, will take on UEFA Champions League semi-finalists, Schalke’04, in a German Bundesliga encounter at the Allianz-Arena on Saturday, April 30. Bayern are in desperate need of win in order to secure a third place finish for the next year’s UEFA Champions League action. The Royal Blues have had a dismal season in the league and are are most likely to miss out on Champions League football in the 2011-12 season.
Bayern Munich
The Bavarians drift one point behind the third-placed Hannover 96 and a win in this game will keep them in contention of sealing a third spot. With only three matches left to play in the season, Die Bayern must secure all three points in this game, since the remaining two matches of the campaign are against difficult oppositions.
Despite a below par-season, Andries Jonker’s men have enjoyed a great home record and have won 10 out of the last 11 games in their own backyard. However, their home record against Schalke'04 has been disappointing of late and their last victory at Allianz Arena against the Miners was back in 2007 season.
Schalke'04
Ralf Rangnick’s team had a poor league season, as they are placed on the 12thspot. They found themselves just three points better off relegation struggling, Eintracht Frankfurt. The Royal Blues have had a dream run in the UEFA Champions League, but the first-leg semi-final defeat at the hands of Manchester United puts them in a huge danger of being knocked out of the competition.
The Miner’s have not won a game in their last five league games and are in desperate need of a win against Bayern.
Team News
Bayern Munich
The hosts will be boosted by the return of Arjen Robben, who has returned from suspension. The midfielder, Luiz Gustavo is suspended for the game, after picking up his fifth booking of the season in the last game. Miroslav Klose is expected to make way for Thomas Muller in a role behind the top goal-scorer of the season, Mario Gomez.
Schalke'04
Defender, Benedikt Howedes is likely to return to the first-team action, after missing the game against Manchester United through injury. Howedes will most probably replace Joel Matip in the heart of the Schalke’04’s defence.
Players to watch
Arjen Robben
The Dutchman’s return from suspension will definitely add spark to the Bayern attack and will be hungry to guide his team to Champions League football. The former Chelsea midfielder will look to add more to his 10 goal tally for the season so far.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Manuel-Neuer-c23424
The incredible goal-keeper was the man of the match in the Champions League game against Manchester United, despite being on the losing side. The German international goalkeeper made a string of splendid saves throughout the game and limited the damage to only two-goals. Neuer is set to join Bayern in the summer transfer window after the season and it will be a game of mixed feelings for him.
Prediction
With Bayern returning to full strength and keeping Schalke’s poor run of recent form in mind, Bayern are likely to triumph by 2-0.
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