Matchday 31 - Dortmund Derby Title Boost

By Joe, bettingexpert.com | Published 01:40 12.04.2012

Schalke 04 vs. Dortmund

Dortmund is dominant in their march to yet another Bundesliga title. They could just show what their rivals, Schalke 04 are missing out the other way around where Schalke 04 puts a dent in their run on Saturday. Elsewhere, Bayern needs to bounce back from the defeat to Dortmund in the midweek and brave their way agianst Mainz 05 at home to keep the title chase alive.

Schalke 04 vs. Dortmund

The Revierderby and rivals meet once again for the last time this season between Schalke 04 and Dortmund. There is a lot on stakes and both teams knows what they have to do on the day to take those three points. Schalke 04 lost their way when striker Huntelaar was out with a head concussion, however when he returned, the team went on a dip in the form when things matter most. A 1-1 draw away to Hoffenhiem was followed by a 3-0 home win but that didn’t last long as the midweek 4-1 away defeat to Nurnberg. Their away form is certainly nothing to talk about but at least at the Arena, Schalke 04 can claim that they are undefeated for four consecutive home games and with that form, their fans should be able to see the light that a revenge trip could be up for the grab. Anything but an away form should help the Royal Blues back on track.

What a week it has been for Dortmund, still undefeated and finishing off Bayern Munchen off with a narrow 1-0 win should be enough claim the Bundesliga title. However, if they want to go out with style then what better way to win it at your fiercest rival’s home ground. Winning is becoming something of a norm and likely the season before, Dortmund is coming out stronger than the others when the trophy comes calling. Head coach Jurgen Klopp has got everything right, the balance of the team, the tactics, the mentality and most importantly, the right man to do the job, big man Robert Lewandowski scoring the winner against Bayern. He was also on target in the reverse tie that ended 2-0 to Dortmund so this is a man to watch out for, once again. The momentum is with Dortmund and no one can deny this.

Verdict:

This could end with a modest draw because two of the most lethal strikers are on the pitch. Dortmund doesn’t disappoint when to scoring goals and the last time they didn’t get one was against Augsburg. Apart from that, Dortmund should be favourites but Schalke 04 are rivals, who can secure a champions league spot for next season with three points.

Bayern Munchen vs. Mainz 05

The only way for Bayern to get back into the title race is to win their games and hope for some slip ups from Dortmund. They didn’t do themselves any great help by losing 1-0 in the midweek crucial title game against league leaders, Dortmund. They are now trailing six points and it is just a matter of time that they will divert their attention to the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. There were a few head scatrching decision for putting Bastian Schweinsteiger and Anatoliy Tymoschuk on the bench from manager Jupp Heynckes. A penalty miss from Arjen Robben didn’t do them any good either so it is really back to Munich in search for the three points to keep the title race alive.

Mainz 05 are currently on the light side safe from the relegation but they are still 7 points from Cologne for the relegation playoff with four games to go. If they are to save themselves then not many are in favour that it will come from this game against Bayern, however since the home side is wounded, this could be the best time for Mainz 05 to pick up a point in their travels.

Verdict:

Depends how Bayern reacts to the midweek defeat and how they see the future will plan out. If priorities are on the champion league then you can imagine some strange decision for the starting eleven on Saturday could happen. Mainz 05 will do their best to defend and with luck, a point but Bayern are still favourites.

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