FC Bayern Munich: The Top of the Bundesliga Awaits

As usual, I will start with a recap of the week.

Bayern 1-2 Stuttgart

Stuttgart beat Bayern in Bayern's backyard. It all started very well for Bayern when Ivica Olic opened the scoring but Christian Trasch and Ciprian Marica scored to take away all three points from Bavaria. Arjen Robben injured himself in the dying minutes and missed the clash against United.

Bayern 2-1  Manchester United

United took the lead through Wayne Rooney but Bayern equalized through a freekick from Franck Ribery in the 77th minute, which took a heavy deflection off Rooney. Olic scored the winner following a Patrice Evra error in injury time.

Schalke vs Bayern

The top two sides in the Bundesliga will take on each other at Schalke's Veltins Arena. Felix Magath's team held Bayern scoreless in the recent German Cup tie until the end of normal time. Magath won't mind a draw as "The Royal Blues" are already ahead of Bayern in the Bundesliga table by two points.

In the 2000-2001 season, Bayern played Schalke following a first-leg win over Man United in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. They lost the game 2-1 but eventually claimed the title on the final match day. Schalke had thought they had claimed the title, but their joy lasted for only four minutes as Patrick Anderson scored for Bayern against Hamburg.

Bayern will definitely be fatigued due to the midweek clash against United. However, their priority remains the League and Cup double. Louis Van Gaal might rest players with a look ahead to Wednesday but he will most probably field a full strength side as this match could decide the Championship. Bayern have no injury headaches ahead of this one.

Kevin Kuranyi is leading the goal-scoring charts at the moment and Bayern will have to be wary of him...and Magath's tactics. Robben will return for this clash. Magath allegedly told Schalke's groundsmen not to tidy up the pitch prior to the German Cup clash against Bayern.

The game finished at 1-1 when the two sides met at the Allianz Arena. Daniel van Buyten scored for Bayern and 18-year-old Joel Matip equalized on his debut.

Prediction: This is a tough one to call. If Bayern win, they will go to the top of the table. If Schalke avoid defeat, they will remain at the top. I will go for a draw.

Final Score: Schalke 1-1 Bayern