German Bundesliga
2010-08-27 - Kaiserslautern vs Bayern Munich
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
Fritz Walter Stadium
Friday, 27th August 2010 – kickoff 20:30
Kaiserslautern
After four years of absence FC Kaiserslautern are back in the Bundesliga and started with encouraging 3-1 win over FC Koln in the first round. That was their second competitive win this season (they also beat VfL Osnabruck 3-1 in the DFB Cup first round) and the team have shown character in both matches. They were down by one goal but still managed to win, which gave a confidence boost prior the match against the reigning champions Bayern Munich.
The positive start brings back memories of Kaiserslautern's fantastic 1997/98 season in which they have beaten Bayern Munich on the opening day before going on to become the first ever club to win the Bundesliga title after being newly promoted in the league.
However, interesting fact is that Kaiserslautern have not managed a single Bundesliga win against Bayern Munich in all of their last 14 meetings. Not only that, but they have not won a home match against the Bavarians since 1999 having scored only once and conceding eleven times in those seven home matches.
Coach Marco Kurz has full squad at his disposal except for the new signing Jan Moravek who suffers from muscle injury and is not able to play. The team usually plays with two strikers in the formation and in this match those two would be Lakic and Hoffer.
Probable Kaiserslautern line-up :
Dick, Amedick, Rodnei, Bugera,
Kirch, Bilek, Tiffert, Ilicevic,
Lakic, Hoffer
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich played a dramatic match in the opening round against Vfl Wolfsburg whom they beat 2-1 with a goal scored by Bastian Schweinsteiger in the added time of the match. Müller scored the opening goal and everything pointed to an entertaining draw until the match winning goal in the second minute stoppage time.
The team played well on all lines and especially Toni Kroos was great in the midfield playing as central midfielder with offensive duties and also Diego Contento was one of the best players in team as he was unbeatable in the defense.
Bayern Munich have really fond memories of their trips to Kaiserslautern and they will look to extend their winning streak against their opponents.
For this match, just like in the previous one will be without Arjen Robben (torn muscle) but Ivica Olic is expected to return in the squad after the quick recovery of his knee injury. However, he probably won`t start and will wait his chance from the bench. Miroslav Klose will be the only striker in the starting line up with two offensive midfielders behind him.
Probable Bayern Munich line-up :
Lahm, van Buyten, Badstuber, Contento,
van Bommel, Schweinsteiger,
T. Müller, Kroos, Ribery
Klose
The Betting Verdict
These teams have played a total of 80 Bundesliga matches between each other and Bayern Munich are more successful with 44 wins, 15 matches being drawn and 21 wins for Kaiserslautern.
Last time these two teams met was four years ago in a match that ended in 1-1 draw, and interestingly that season Bayern Munich became German champions and Kaiserslautern were relegated.
Kaiserslautern will be eager to prove themselves in front of their packed stadium against the champions in the first home match, and i expect them to start a bit aggressively. Bayern Munich will wait for its chances and it might not come early but i expect them to win this match.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Kaiserslautern 1-3 Bayern Munich
