Bayern Munich would make Bundesliga history on a couple of counts with a win over 1. FC Köln at the Allianz Arena on Saturday. Not only would the Bavarians become the first team to have won their opening 10 Bundesliga games in a season, but they'd reach the hugely impressive milestone of their 1,000 victories since the competition began. Such is the imperious form of Pep Guardiola's outfit so far this season, you'd be brave to bet against them pulling it off.
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Bayern Munich will become the first team in history to win 1,000 Bundesliga games if they beat Köln on Saturday.
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
However, it’s certainly not a foregone conclusion. Köln have made a solid start to their Bundesliga campaign, and find themselves up inside a Europa League spot after nine rounds. Their striker Anthony Modeste can’t lay claim to a record as impressive as Robert Lewandowski’s, but with six goals in nine games, the Frenchman is in the form of his life. Bayern should still win, but they’ll have to work for the points -- and the records.
Key player: Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich)
The remarkable form of Robert Lewandowski has rather snatched the spotlight from another of Bayern’s attacking stars, Thomas Müller. The German international has been less conspicuous but no less impressive, with the intelligence of his movement and the precision of his play making him a constant pain for opposition defenses. Köln could well struggle to limit his influence.
Recent history
Rather unsurprisingly, Bayern have dominated recent meetings between these sides. They’ve won the last four with a combined aggregate scoreline of 13-2, and you have to go back to 2011 for the last time Köln beat the Bavarians. They haven’t won away in Munich since 2009, when Bayern were under the stewardship of the incumbent USMNT coach Jürgen Klinsmann.
Bayern Munich injuries and suspensions
Out: Mario Götze (groin); Holger Badstuber (thigh). In doubt: Arjen Robben (adductor); Medhi Benatia (thigh); Franck Ribéry (ankle).
1. FC Köln injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: None.
Bayern will certainly be without Badstuber and Götze; Robben, Ribéry and Benatia have all returned to training after layoffs, but they may well lack the match fitness to be involved. Köln, meanwhile, should have a full-strength team available.
Match date/time: Sat., Oct. 24, 9:30 a.m. ET, 3:30 p.m. local
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
TV: FOX Sports 2 (US); Sportsnet World (Canada)
Online: FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2Go, GolTV (US); Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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