German Bundesliga
2009-11-22 - Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
Alianz Arena
Sunday, 22th November 2009 – kickoff 15:30
Bayern Munich
Bayern are playing below expectations and are currently at eight place with twenty points, six points behind the leaders Leverkusen.
They are in worse position than this time last season when they had 24 points and were only one point behind the leaders Bayer Leverkusen. Last time Bayern Munich were on top of Bundesliga was back in May 2008.
They also struggle in the Champions league and are on verge to be eliminated from the knockout stages.
Bayern probably made a mistake when they let two top players go - the Brazilian pair of Zé Roberto (Hamburg SV) and Lucio (Inter Milan). They brought eight signings but not one of them impressed with their game.
This team rotates a lot and Van Gaal has used 22 different players in his starting line-ups over the first twelve rounds of the season.
While Ribery (left knee) is probably out till Christmas, Robben (right knee) had to cut short his international duties this week and is doubtful for this match too. After six weeks on the sidelines with a ruptured calf muscle, Ivica Olic was able to rejoin the squad for the first time with light trainings, but still can not play for at least week or two.
Andreas Görlitz is also out of the competition (toe operation).
On the positive side, the team internationals - captain Mark van Bommel , Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger returned from their national teams fit and well.
Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen are on a good run and holding on the top of the Bundesliga with 26 points.
They have conceded the fewest goals so far (8) and are the only unbeaten team in the Bundesliga. They have the best Bundesliga scorer - Stefan Kiessling (8 goals so far).
In te last round prior the International break they proved their good form with the convincing 4-0 home win against Eintracht Frankfurt.
The team will be without the midfielder Renato Augusto who must complete his rehab after his knee operation at home in Brazil. He will be absent until January 2010.
Ren Adler,Simon Rolfes and Michal Kadlec are also doubtfull and probably will not take part in this match.
The Betting Verdict
The statistics and tradition are clearly on Bayern Munich side. The last time Bayer Leverkusen won in Munich was back in the year 1989. (19 games since then).
Leverkusen have lost the last nine meetings against Bayern. Last time Bayer have won against Bayern was back in August 2004 (4-1)
I think that there will be few goals in this match but the winner is tough to call. Leverkusen are better side at the moment, but Bayern are very unpredictable.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Bayern Munich-Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 (or 2-2)
