Bayern Munich have the opportunity to push their lead atop the table when they travel to Nürnberg on Saturday in the Bavarian Derby. A win for Bayern will equal a Bundesliga record for their eighth straight road victory in the league.
Nürnburg vs. Bayern Munich 2012: Preview and TV schedule
Bayern Munich travel to Nürnberg this weekend in the Bavarian Derby.
The two clubs could not be experiencing any complete opposite fortunes so far. Bayern have won ten of eleven matches to start the season with an astonishing +28 goal differential. Nürnberg have only managed to pick up four points out of their last twenty four with some awful performances to show for it.
Arjen Robben will miss out on this match after picking up an injury midweek against Germany in international competition. Franck Ribery also has a knock, but he is expected to start the match. With a trip to Valencia in the Champions League midweek, we could see Bayern resting Javi Martinez or Bastian Schweinsteiger this week. This match could also see the return of Mario Gomez to the pitch after recovering from his ankle surgery. Mario Mandzukic has been brilliant in Gomez's absence, but another great forward will add to the club's depth with Bayern still in all three competitions.
Raphael Schäfer returns in goal for Nürnberg for the first time since injuring his achilles on October 21. The return of the club’s number one in goal should give the hosts a boost as the league’s best offense comes to Stadion Nürnberg. However, the biggest issue for Der Club will be on the offensive end. Bayern have allowed the fewest goals on the season (4), and they have yet to concede away from home. Nürnberg only have nine goals to their name on the season.
Nürnberg injuries and suspensions
Out: Arjen Robben (muscle strain), Luiz Gustavo (sprain), Emre Can (ankle), Jerome Boateng (thigh). In doubt: Mario Gomez (ankle).
Arjen Robben will be missing out of this weekend’s match after picking up a midweek injury on international duty. Jerome Boateng will be out this week after picking up an injury in last week’s victory over Eintracht Frankfurt while Luiz Gustavo and Emre Can remain out of action. Mario Gomez may return to the squad for the first time this season after surgery on his ankle.
Bayern Munich injuries and suspensions
Out: Hanno Balitsch (suspended).
Balitsch is out suspended due to a yellow card suspension, and he’ll likely be replaced by former Bayern player Markus Feulner in the starting lineup.
Match Date/Time: 3:30 p.m. local, 9:30 a.m. ET
Venue: Stadion Nürnberg, Nürnberg, Germany
TV: Gol TV (U.S. & Canada)
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