Bayern Munich vs Fortuna Düsseldorf: Bundesliga Prediction and Preview

After defeating arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund, which increased the gap between first and second to seven points, Bayern Munich are set to welcome relegation battlers Fortuna Düsseldorf.

With a seven-point-lead at the top, Bayern Munich are in pole position to win the 2019-2020 Bundesliga title. Still, any lapses can prove to be costly especially against Dusseldorf who are embroiled in the relegation scramble.

Current Form

Hans-Dieter Flick’s Bayern Munich are on a stupendous run, winning seven on the trot in the league. They have also not faced a league defeat in their last 14 matches, with a 0-0 draw against RB Leipzig the only instance where they dropped points.

In midweek league action, Joshua Kimmich’s wonder strike helped Bayern Munich overcome Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker and virtually seal an eighth consecutive Bundesliga title.

Fortuna Düsseldorf meanwhile, have been below par. Uwe Rosler’s men have only one win in their last five league games. In that duration, they have drawn thrice and lost once. The win came in the midweek encounter against an injury-hit FC Schalke 04.

The last time these two sides met, Bayern Munich mauled Fortuna Düsseldorf, 4-0, at the Esprit Arena.

Bayern Munich form: WWWWW [Last five Bundesliga games]

Fortuna Düsseldorf form: LDDDW [Last five Bundesliga games]

Team News

Midfielder Thiago Alcantara still is facing adductor issues and is likely to miss this game. Philippe Coutinho and Corentin Tolisso are still ruled out and Niklas Sule is yet to attain full fitness.

For the visitors, Zack Steffen will be on the sidelines. The Manchester City loanee is unavailable due to knee issues. Fortuna Düsseldorf will be buoyed by the return of Kaan Ahyan from suspension.

Key Battles

Kingsley Coman vs Markus Suttner

If he is fully fit, Kingsley Coman can be a nightmare to deal with. His electric pace and dazzling footwork can bamboozle the best defenders on the planet.

Unfortunately, the Frenchman hasn’t been fully fit this season and his numbers have dropped as a result. He did, however, show sparks of brilliance in Der Klassiker though his final ball was wasteful.

Up against a relatively weaker defense, Coman would be feeling more confident. Markus Suttner and Fortuna Düsseldorf therefore will have to be extremely alert in preventing Coman from creating for Robert Lewandowski and co.

Joshua Kimmich vs Erik Thommy

Kimmich was the hero for Die Roten this Tuesday and expect him to continue his stellar performances in the middle of the park.

The German has developed into a swiss-knife of a midfielder who contributes on both offense and defense. He will, however, have to watch out for the tools that Erik Thommy brings on the field.

Thommy has been a bright spot for Fortuna Düsseldorf this season and his movement with the ball is of supreme quality. He is a crucial part of Düsseldorf’s attacking plan as seen by his numbers.

Kimmich is likely to play a slightly withdrawn role in order to contain Thommy but will continue to serve as his team’s anchor, considering Thiago’s absence.

David Alaba vs Rouwen Hennings

In light of Bayern Munich’s crisis in central defense, David Alaba has stepped up well. He had a lukewarm start at the position but has grown into being a competent center-back.

Alongside veteran Jerome Boateng, he should be able to lock down Rouwen Hennings who is Fortuna Düsseldorf’s biggest goal-threat this season. The German striker endured a goal-drought before the Bundesliga restart but was on target in the win over Schalke.

Henning’s partnership with Kenan Karaman proved to be the difference maker against Schalke so the Bavarians should not be taking them lightly.

Prediction

This is a lopsided fixture with anything other than a commanding win for Bayern Munich being a surprise.

Hansi Flick’s side dominated Fortuna Düsseldorf in the reverse fixture and there’s no reason to think why they will not play in the same fashion.

The Bavarians are coming off a morale-boosting win over Dortmund and they are more than likely to strut their stuff against a hapless Fortuna Düsseldorf. You can expect the hosts to cruise to a comfortable 3-0 win in this game.

Predicted scoreline: Bayern Munich 3-0 Fortuna Düsseldorf