The Bundesliga is simply too easy for Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich, who have stormed eight points clear at the top after dropping points only once in the opening 14 rounds. The Bavarians once again look set to wrap up the title well in advance of the season's end, and it would take a slip of Devon Loch proportions if they were to cede it even to their nearest competitors, Borussia Dortmund.
Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
With their excellent recent form, Borussia Mönchengladbach will fancy their chances of causing an upset at home to Bayern on Saturday.
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That said, they'll face a tougher task than normal when they take on Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday. Since replacing coach Lucien Favre with André Schubert they've gone on an impressive run of form, and are unbeaten in all competitions since September. They're very much in contention to qualify for the Champions League once again, and if anyone's going to cause Bayern an upset in the Bundesliga, it's going to be Gladbach.
Key player: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
However, if the hosts are to have any luck in halting Bayern’s onslaught, they’re going to have to do what often seems impossible: keep Robert Lewandowski from scoring. It was once suggested that the Polish striker didn’t get on with Guardiola and his tactics, though his record this season firmly suggests otherwise. Lewandowski has scored 14 goals in 13 Bundesliga appearances, and is quite possibly the best pure striker on the planet at present.
When they last met: Bayern Munich 0-2 Borussia Mönchengladbach, Mar. 3, 2015
The threat that Gladbach can pose when they’re at their best was evident in their victory away at the Allianz Arena in March. Admittedly, by then Bayern were so far clear at the top of the table that they’d allowed their concentration to wander, but Favre’s side punished them with a fine display of counter-attacking football. They had less than a third of the game’s possession, but a brace from Brazilian forward Raffael ensured a memorable 2-0 win. Repeating the feat on Saturday would be even more impressive a feat.
Borussia Mönchengladbach injuries and suspensions
Out: Álvaro Domínguez (back); Martin Stranzl (eye); Nico Schulz, Patrick Hermann (knee); André Hahn (shin). In doubt: Ibrahima Traoré (hamstring).
Bayern Munich injuries and suspensions
Out: Holger Badstuber (suspended); Juan Bernat, Mario Götze (groin); Thiago Alcântara (knee). In doubt: Douglas Costa (thigh); David Alaba (ankle); Arjen Robben (knock).
Gladbach have a string of important players sidelined, including captain Stranzl and star attacker Hermann. However, they’ll be hoping to have winger Traoré back after a hamstring problem.
Bayern will still be without a handful of first-team regulars too, including full-back Bernat and midfielders Götze and Thiago. However, the brilliantly versatile Alaba and attackers Costa and Robben could be involved if they pass late fitness tests.
Match date/time: Saturday, Dec. 5, 9:30 a.m. ET, 3:30 p.m. local
Venue: Borussia-Park, Mönchengladbach, Germany
TV: FOX Sports 1 (US); Sportsnet One (Canada)
Online: FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2Go (US); Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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