Bayern Munich vs Fortuna Düsseldorf Preview: How to Watch on TV, Live Stream, Kick-Off Time & Team News
By Lee Bushe
Bayern Munich will be hoping to collect another easy three points - and move one step closer to securing their eighth consecutive Bundesliga title - when they face relegation threatened Fortuna Düsseldorf at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.
Prior to the arrival of Hans-Dieter Flick in November, Bayern were facing the likely prospect of losing the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2012. They have experienced a resurgence under Flick though - with Die Roten currently on a 14-game unbeaten run - and now look all but certain to win the league title.
Fortuna have experienced a little resurgence of their own. At the foot of the table as recently as January, the club moved to sack Friedhelm Funkel and replace him with Uwe Rösler. Flingeraner have lost just one league game - and are currently unbeaten in the last six - since, and they are now five points above the automatic relegation places.
Despite this, Rösler's side are probably going to need a miracle if they are to secure an away victory against the mighty Bayern. Flick's side should be careful not to underestimate Fortuna, however, as they are unlikely to go down without a fight.
Where to Watch?
When is Kick-Off?: Saturday 30 May
What Time is Kick-Off?: 17:30 (BST)
Where is it Played?: Merkur-Spiel Arena
TV Channel/Live Stream?: BT Sport 1
Team News
Thiago Alcantara, who missed Bayern's clashes with Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund due to a muscle injury, is expected to sit out Saturday's game - but is expected to return for their away fixture against Bayer Leverkusen in June. Meanwhile, Colentin Tolisso, Philippe Coutinho and Niklas Süle are all still injured and will not be playing.
For Fortuna, Dawid Kownacki is still suffering with the knee injury he picked up in February, while goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who has yet to feature in 2020, is currently out with a medial collateral ligament injury.
Predicted Lineups
Bayern Munich: Neuer; Pavard, Boateng, Alaba, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka, Coman, Müller, Gnabry; Lewandowski.
Fortuna Düsseldorf
: Kastenmeier; Suttner, Ayhan, Hoffman; Zimmerman, Stöger, Sobottka, Berisha, Thommy; Hennings, Karaman.
Head-to-Head Record
Given that one club has historically been much bigger than the other, Bayern have been the more dominant side throughout their histories. Indeed, Fortuna haven't been able to win a league match against Die Roten in nearly 30 years - though they did earn a shock 3-3 draw against Bayern at the Allianz Arena last season.
Flingeraner were 3-1 down after 58 minutes, but Dodi Lukebakio scored two - completing his hat-trick - in the final thirteen minutes. Fortuna have lost both of the other contests against Bayern since their return to the top-flight in 2018, however, conceding four goals in both of those games.
Recent Form
Bayern are currently on a 14-game unbeaten run in the Bundesliga and haven't lost a single game since December 2019. In fact, Die Roten have won 13 out of their last 14 games, only slipping up in a 0-0 draw against RB Leipzig back in February.
Fortuna are unbeaten in their last six games - though have only managed draws in four of those games. Their in-form man is Kenan Karaman, who has scored five goals in his last five matches.
Here's a look at how they've performed over their last five games.
Bayern Munich
Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Bayern Munich (26/05)
Bayern Munich 5-2 Eintracht Frankfurt (23/05)
Union Berlin 0-2 Bayern Munich (17/05)
Bayern Munich 2-0 FC Augsburg (8/03)
1899 Hoffenheim 0-6 Bayern Munich (29/02)
Fortuna Düsseldorf
Fortuna Düsseldorf 2-1 Schalke 04 (27/05)
1. FC Köln 2-2 Fortuna Düsseldorf (24/05)
Fortuna Düsseldorf 0-0 SC Paderborn (16/05)
Mainz 05 1-1 Fortuna Düsseldorf (8/03)
Fortuna Düsseldorf 3-3 Hertha Berlin (28/02)
Prediction
Expect Fortuna's unbeaten run to be ended at the Allianz Arena on Saturday. This Bayern side, at this point in time, seem unstoppable and they are unlikely to be stopped by a team that currently sits in the relegation places. It could be a drubbing, but don't be surprised if Flingeraner get a consolation goal or two.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 4-1 Fortuna Düsseldorf