German Football 
/ Kevin Hatchard / 25 February 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Big guns. Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Sebastian Schweinsteiger are the hereatbeat of this team
"Barring their late collapse in Cologne, Bayern have sparkled since the winter break, and Robben, Ribery and Gomez are all on top form."
It's Bayern Munich versus league leaders Borsussia Dortmund this weekend in a match which may well have a huge say in where the title goes this year. Kevin Hatchard discusses this match and the other best bets...
Bayern Munich [1.88] vs Borussia Dortmund [4.4], the draw [3.9]
Of the 11 games leaders Borussia Dortmund still have to play this season, this is undoubtedly the toughest. Bayern are third, 13 points behind BVB, and will come out all guns blazing at the Allianz Arena in a game they have to win.
Bayern's recent home form has been exceptional. The Bavarians have won their last seven home matches, scoring 26 goals and conceding just four in the process. Louis van Gaal's men go into Saturday's match full of confidence after a superb 1-0 win at Inter in the Champions League. Bayern were deserved victors, with terrifying twosome Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery in electrifying form. Mario Gomez's winner was his 27th goal of the season, not bad when you consider he's made just 31 appearances.
The return to fitness of Robben and the return to form of Ribery has given Bayern a huge boost. Bayern swarmed all over Mainz in last week's 3-1 victory, and could have racked up five or six goals in a scintillating display. At the other end rookie goalkeeper Thomas Kraft has adapted superbly to the pressures of playing for one of Europe's top clubs - van Gaal's decision to throw Kraft in at the deep end is looking inspired.
After draws against Kaiserslautern and Schalke, Dortmund returned to winning ways last week by beating St Pauli 2-0. Young German internationals Mario Gotze and Kevin Grosskreutz buzzed around impressively, but as a team Dortmund are still missing too many chances. Jurgen Klopp's men can take heart from a superb away record, with ten wins from 12 games.
When these two sides met at the Westfalen in October, Dortmund ran out 2-0 winners. The scoreline was somewhat misleading - Bayern dominated the first half, with an off-colour Mario Gomez wasting the kind of chances he now gleefully snaps up.
RECOMMENDED BETS: Barring their late collapse in Cologne, Bayern have sparkled since the winter break, and Robben, Ribery and Gomez are all on top form. If Dortmund keeper and captain Roman Weidenfeller fails a fitness test on a knee injury, the visitors will have an even tougher job on their hands. Back Bayern to win at [1.88], although in a tight game In-Play bettors may be tempted to wait until half-time for that price to improve. Both sides are defending well, so backing under 2.5 goals at [2.24] looks sensible.
Werder Bremen [3.2] vs Bayer Leverkusen [2.34], the draw [3.6]
If Dortmund lose, second-placed Bayer could cut their lead to just seven points with victory at struggling Werder on Sunday. The defensive weaknesses which have plagued Thomas Schaaf's Bremen all season were on show yet again in last week's 4-0 derby defeat at Hamburg. Chronic underperformers Sebastian Prodl and Mikael Silvestre put in another somnambulant display, and appear to be dragging German international Per Metesacker down to their level. Werder have now shipped 48 goals - only rock-bottom Monchengladbach have conceded more.
Werder are just a point above the dropzone, and I expect Bayer to make things worse for them. Bayer lost to title rivals Dortmund in their first game after the winter break, but they've since won four out of five. The return of striker Stefan Kiessling from long-term injury is a massive plus, and he scored twice in last week's 4-2 win over Stuttgart.
RECOMMENDED BET: Bayer have collected 26 points from 33 available on the road, and they should sweep aside a Werder team that simply can't defend. Back Bayer to win at [2.34]
Wolfsburg [2.02] vs Borussia Monchengladbach [4.2], the draw [3.65]
As I suspected, Wolfsburg coach Pierre Littbarski hasn't had the instant impact the Wolves were expecting after they jettisoned Steve McClaren. Littbarski's overseen two defeats, and only goal difference is keeping the club out of the dropzone.
New Borussia boss Lucien Favre did have an instant impact, masterminding a 2-1 win over Schalke, the Foals' first home victory. Borussia have picked up most of their points on the road, winning four out of 11.
RECOMMENDED BET: Wolfsburg are a shambles, and rejuvenated Borussia will see Friday's game as a great chance to get off the bottom. Back Borussia to win at [4.2]
It's Bayern Munich versus league leaders Borsussia Dortmund this weekend in a match which may well have a huge say in where the title goes this year. Kevin Hatchard discusses this match and the other best bets......
Borussia Dortmund versus St Pauli, Mainz versus Bayern Munich and Inter Milan versus Cagliari are among the games that Betfair customers are able to enjoy this weekend courtesy of Betfair Live Video.
Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp is concerned that his side have look nervous in recent weeks but can they get their title campaign back on track this weekend? Kevin Hatchard selects the weekend's best Bundesliga bets....
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