Bayern Munich vs Darmstadt Prediction and Match Preview
In a Bundesliga Round 9 showdown, it’s a classic battle of underdogs and giants as David, in the form of Darmstadt, takes on Goliath, represented by Bayern Munich, at the Allianz Arena.
The formidable Bavarian squad is determined to defend their championship title, and a victory over Darmstadt could propel them to the top of the league standings.
Keep a close watch on the new addition to the home team, Harry Kane, who recently marked his 9th goal of the season in a 3-1 triumph over Mainz.
Unfortunately, several key players, including Leon Goretzka, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Guerreiro, Tarek Buchmann, and Gabriel Marusic, are sidelined with injuries. Additionally, Serge Gnabry’s availability is uncertain.
On the flip side, Darmstadt’s Lillywhites were unable to pull off an upset in their previous league match, falling to Leipzig by a score of 1-3. Now, they face another formidable challenge in their pursuit of the title. As mentioned earlier, this matchup is akin to a classic David-versus-Goliath clash.
Therefore, a victory for the underdogs at the home ground would be a significant surprise. Clemens Riedel is racing against the clock to regain fitness for the Saturday showdown, while Emir Karic, a fellow defender, remains sidelined with a muscle injury.
Team News:
Leon Goretzka of Bayern Munich was absent from the midweek victory against Galatasaray due to a successful hand surgery last Sunday. The German club has confirmed that he will be unavailable for their “upcoming matches.”
In the treatment room, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Guerreiro, and Tarek Buchmann are nursing hamstring injuries, while Gabriel Marusic is recovering from an ACL injury. Serge Gnabry, with a fractured forearm, will be evaluated before the kickoff. On the positive side, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is set to make his return to the starting lineup after a 350-day absence due to a broken leg.
Noussair Mazraoui has bounced back from a muscle issue and could continue as the right-back, while Konrad Laimer is expected to partner with Joshua Kimmich in midfield in the absence of Goretzka.
Harry Kane, who has already netted nine goals in the Bundesliga in just eight games, will aim to reach double figures as he leads the line this weekend. He will receive support from Coman, Musiala, and Leroy Sane in the attack.
On the Darmstadt side, Fabio Torsiello is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Braydon Manu (ankle) and Aaron Seydel (muscle) are both doubtful and will be assessed before the game.
Matthias Bader, who missed the last match against Leipzig due to illness, is expected to return as the right wing-back. Christoph Klarer, Jannik Muller, and Matej Maglica are set to continue as the back three.
Luca Pfeiffer has yet to score in seven Bundesliga appearances this season but is anticipated to lead the attack once again this weekend, potentially alongside Skarke, Oscar Vilhelmsson, or Fraser Hornby.
