Bayern out to keep perfect start rolling against shaky Bremen
Bayern Munich kicked off their Bundesliga defence in record-breaking fashion and will fancy their chances of keeping the run going when Werder Bremen visit the Allianz Arena.
Kompany’s lot have flown out the traps — four wins from four, 18 goals scored (a league record at this stage) and barely a glove laid on them at the other end. Hoffenheim were the latest to cop it, a 4-1 hiding that showcased the Bavarians’ new-look forward line once more. Add in the fact they’ve rattled off four straight home league wins without conceding, and you can see why the champions are already setting a fierce pace.
Bremen, by contrast, have started sluggishly. Just one win in four and a 3-0 humbling by Freiburg last weekend left them glancing nervously over their shoulders. Even then, things might have looked different had they buried a penalty at 2-0 down. Still, there’s a flicker of hope — both their victories this season have come away, and they’ve actually won five of their last seven on the road in the Bundesliga.
The numbers don’t lie
History leans Bayern’s way, as you’d expect: six wins from the last seven H2Hs, three or more goals scored in three of the last four, and just one home defeat against Bremen in 17 attempts (W13, D3). They’ve also been ruthless starters this term, leading at half-time in all four games without conceding. Bremen, oddly enough, can point to one quirk — they’re yet to let in a goal beyond the 75th minute this season.
Who to watch
Serge Gnabry, once of Bremen, has been deadly early doors — three goals in his last three league outings, twice opening the scoring inside half an hour. For the visitors, Jens Stage looks their liveliest threat; he’s scored and picked up a yellow in his two games back from injury, and interestingly, all of his last four goals have come before the 35th minute.
Team news
Bayern’s defensive options are stretched, with Boey, Kim and Stanišić all doubts. Bremen, meanwhile, hope Samuel Mbangula recovers from a thigh problem in time.
Betting angle
No surprise Bayern are near unbackable odds, so the smarter play might be Bayern to win without conceding — they’ve made a habit of keeping things watertight at home.