Matchday 9 - Finding the Gap at the Top

By Joe, bettingexpert.com | Published 00:07 13.10.2011

Bremen Barrios

A fit Lucas Barrios will cause havoc to any defence in the Bundesliga and he might just turn things his way this weekend as Dortmund travels to Bremen to take on Werder. Elsewhere league leaders, Bayern are home to Hertha Berlin and that should throw the three in the open.

Werder Bremen vs. Dortmund

The international break might have given a chance for Werder Bremen to regroup and get their act together before Dortmund visits on Friday. The home team was enduring a good run just before they faced Hannover 96 away with a 3-2 defeat. Sitting second in the Bundesliga, Werder Bremen are tied with M’gladbach for second so a bit of muscle this Friday could close that 3 point gap from the league leaders, Bayern. Bremen is likely to lead the offensive power with Claudio Pizarro as his striking partner, Marko Arnautovic is suspended for the game. Defender Naldo should be pushing for a starting place while Aaron Hunt should make the line up after overcoming a cold.

Dortmund found a bit a form before the international matches crept in. The defending champion got their stride and won two straight games against Mainz away and a 4-0 win over Augsburg. Whether the break was good for the team remains to be seen this Friday. The good news for Dortmund is that both Luca Barrios and Mario Gotze were spared for their respective national duties while the others are being asked respect their duties. Half of the squad will return this midweek to prepare for the travel to Bremen. Jurgen Klopp has surely got to get his men back in championship chase form or else they will drop further behind.

This game might not have come well in truly good for Dortmund having some key members of the team returning from international duty rather Werder had just a few players to deal with regarding fatigue or even injuries. This is a top bill for a Bundesliga Friday evening clash and with Dortmund bouncing back with disappointing first third of the season. They are face with a strong host with much confidence but without one of their key strikers.

Verdict: Drawing is not shame on a Friday night.

Bayern Munchen vs. Hertha Berlin

Gruesome ending for any opponent that comes across Bayern these days and relentlessly they have in sight to increase their tally at the top of the Bundesliga. Their massive 20 goal difference is already a point added as they have 19 in their account. The goals are keeping on coming and more over when they are at home. Coach Jupp Heynckes doesn’t even have Dutch winger, Arjen Robben fully available as he is on course for further surgery while defender Breno, released on bail, is also nursing a knee injury. With a 0-0 draw away to Hoffenheim before the international break, Bayern is looking to jump start their Bundesliga form once again and Hertha is their guest.

The capital club are looking to join other clubs to compete for an European place next season and they aren’t that far away from that. Hertha Berlin has surprised on a few occasions and this might be yet the occasion to shine. With 12 points and 7 from their hosts, Hertha can take the confidence in their latest 3-0 win over Cologne but more importantly the 2-1 win away against Dortmund last month. That unexpected win is certainly something that can be repeated and with that mind, Hertha Berlin should be going to Munich with a chance at the back of their mind to get at least a point, while sneaking the three.

Verdict: Heavy favourites to win this one, Bayern can’t be complacent or else Berlin will take it to them.

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