Although still without a number of key first team players including Mark van Bommel, Arjen Robben, Ivica Olic and Miroslav Klose, Bayern Munich will host Nurnberg on Sunday in the Bundesliga’s biggest derby. The aforementioned van Bommel and French winger Franck Ribery will likely make Munich’s bench against Nurnberg but won’t start for Louis van Gaal’s 10th place side.
Bundesliga Sunday Preview: Bayern Munich Host Nurnberg In Season’s First Bavarian Derby
While the derby is sure to be one to entertain as the traditionally brilliant atmosphere in the Bundesliga delights fans across the world, Munich will take the prospect of gaining three points from their rivals and jumping ahead of them in the table quite seriously. Striker Mario Gomez has been in fine form for the reigning champs in recent weeks as has youngster Toni Kroos in midfield.
After Borussia Dortmund exposed Hamburg SV at home 2-0, Jurgen Klopp’s side have now opened up a 15 point lead on last year’s champions. If Munich have reservations left of challenging for and/or winning the title again, they’ll need nothing but three points against Nurnberg to start trimming Dortmund’s lead.
Louis van Gaal has announced World Cup standout Thomas Muller will have to remain on the bench and fight his way back into the starting XI. Nurnberg will likely be without their creative midfielder Mehmet Ekici as the on loan from Munich man looks to be out with a flu virus. Nurnberg will look to continue their fine start to the Bundesliga season and build upon their current 7th place position - three points gained from the Bavarian derby would see Nurnberg jump to 4th in the Bundesliga table.
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