Bayern battle for further Schalke success in Bundesliga clash

Muller outlines decisive period

Following the international break, Germany frontman Thomas Muller has outlined his side’s return to Bundesliga action as decisive in their quest to retain that coveted German league title, but claims Schalke could pose a threat to their unbeaten run.

“They will have their backs to the wall at home in front of their own fans. There are easier fixtures coming off the back of the international break,” stated the Bayern poacher, who is 10/3 to open proceedings.

“We have to take all three points. We are entering a decisive phase in the season.”

Schalke need flawless outing

Schalke boss Andre Breitenreiter believes his team will need a perfect performance in order to thwart the attacking danger that the Bavarians possess, but his men are haplessly without a win in six outings and are 10/1 for an upset.

“We want to play without any mistakes – you need to against Bayern,” he said. “We will be giving the team a clear game plan. There will be chances for us in the match.

“We have gone over a number of things that we want to implement on Saturday, but we’re the underdogs. There are games where Bayern make mistakes and are maybe a little sloppy. We want to take advantage of that.”

Thiago joins casualties

The hosts can take some comfort from Bayern’s injury list though, with Thiago Alacantara now joining Frack Ribery, Mario Gotze and Juan Bernat in the treatment room, after a knock featuring for Spain.

However, Arjen Robben has enjoyed a rampant return from his own injury, and is 4/1 for a double or more, while in-form Robert Lewandowski is 5/2 to strike last.

Schalke hold enough talent in their ranks to cause an upset though, with deadly Dutchman Klaas Jan Huntelaar, who is 11/5 to net anytime on home soil.

Defensive stalwart Benedikt Howedes was an unlikely source of goals in this fixture last term, scoring both home and away, and he is 9/1 for another this time out.

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Coral’s top tip: Bayern Munich have been sensational in recent weeks, with four and five-goal hauls in their last two outings, so back them to dispatch four or more here again against Schalke at 9/4.