German Bundesliga
2010-02-28 - Bayern Munich vs Hamburger SV
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
Allianz Arena
Sunday, 28th February 2010 – kickoff 17:30
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich slipped to 1-1 draw against FC Nurnberg last weekend which was not that unexpected having on mind the fact that Bayern always had trouble and rarely managed to get a win in recent years when playing in Nurnberg.
However, they still share the top with Bayer Leverkusen and now they will have a difficult match against Hamburger SV, a team that fights for spot that leads into Champions league qualifications.
This match will mark Bayern Munich`s 110 year anniversary and the team will start the match in a retro designed kits which will be launched as new kits for next season.
Ivica Olic has a minor back injury but is expected to start the match together with Mario Gomez in the attack. Franck Ribery will also be in the starting line-up after missing the last game against Nurnberg through small injury.
Arjen Robben played only one half last weekend but now is expected to play the whole match and will be in the starting line up as well.
The Belgian defender Daniel van Buyten is doubtful for this clash as he had sustained torn muscle injury but started with trainings again yesterday and whether he will be able to start the match is about to be seen as his situation is not very clear yet.
Hamburger SV
Hamburger SV progressed in the Europa league due to a crucial away goal although they have lost 3-2 in the second leg against PSV.
Last week they played a goalless draw against the very good and improving team of Eintracht Frankfurt. Ruud Van Nistelrooy missed that match through ankle injury but he is expected to be in the starting line up for this match.
Joris Mathijsen and Eljero Elia, who both are in good form recently, will take their places in the midfield in the starting line up.
Hamburger SV are nine points behind Bayern Munich, sitting at the fourth place at the table with 40 points.
The team captain David Jarolim is back in the squad after serving his suspension and Mladen Petric will be in the attack and he showed a good performance against PSV during midweek scoring the crucial second goal for the team.
Romeo Castelan is still injured and very much doubtful for selection.
The Betting Verdict
This will be a match between teams that are geographically far away from each other as Hamburger represents the North and Bayern Munich the South of the country so that brings a bigger rivalry in this duel.
There will be a celebration this weekend in Munich for Bayern Munich`s 110th birthday and also this will be a hundredth match between these two rivals. Overall Bayern Munich has a better record with 51 wins, 19 draws and 29 losses against their opponents. However, Bayern Munich in the recent years struggles as they have not won in the last six matches against Hamburger.
The first match between these teams this season ended in 1-0 win for Hamburger SV.
Both teams have great individuals in the squad and play nice attacking football. Bayern Munich are priced as favorites in this match but i think that price is poor having on mind their recent slump when playing against Hamburger SV. Hamburger SV are a decent team and i think they can get something out of this match. Nine points difference with eleven matches to go are not that big obstacle to overcome so i think that Hamburger will spoil the celebrations a little bit with a high scoring draw.
Update: The striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has been ruled out of this match and he will not play! Also Mladen Petric is doubtful and he also might not be able to play the whole match which reduces Hamburger`s chances for success so have that on mind.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Bayern Munich-Hamburger SV 2-2
