Bayern Munich has already won the German League and is hoping to win their 5 Champions League title. Meanwhile, Dortmund is in their second final and can win the title for the second time. Match of the week is the Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
Champions League Final 2013
Wembley Stadium
25-05-2013 @ 19.45 UK
How are the two teams form?
Borussia Dortmund ended second in the German Bundesliga, with 66 points after 34 matches. The last match of the season was lost against Hoffenheim. In the Champions League, the Germans won their group in front of Real Madrid while Shaktar Donetsk and Malaga was sent out before Dortmund met Real Madrid once again in the semi finals. Here, Dortmund surprised most people and are now ready to battle Bayern Munich for the title.
As mentioned, Bayern Munich won this year's Bundesliga and in convincing style. In Jupp Heynckes last season as manager for the South German team, they won the league with 91 points and a goalscorer of +80. In the Champions League, Munich shared the 1st in group F with Valencian before beating Arsenal, Juventus and Barcelona on their way to the final.
The last 10 matches between the two teams have ended in 5 victories for Dortmund, 2 draws and 3 wins for Bayern Munich.
What are the probable starting formations?
Dortmund is probably without Mario Götze while Patrick Owomoyela definitely is out for the final. For Bayern Holger Badstuber and Toni Kroos are sidelined for the final.
Weidenfeller
Kirch - Subotic - Hummels - Schmelzer
Gündogan - Bender
Blaszczykowski - Grosskreutz - Reus
Lewandowski
________________________________
Mandzukic
Robben - Müller - Ribéry
Schweinsteiger - Martinez
Alaba - Van Buyten - Boateng - Lahm
Neuer
What to expect from this match?
Dortmund is eager to win this match after losing the domestic league to the rivals from Munich. However, this is Bayern's chance to show that they are not only best in the German league but also in Europe.
Both teams have much of the same strengths and weaknesses why it is hard to find a favorite for this match. That said, a few more players from Munich have more experience with finals than most of the Dortmund players. This is something that can be crucial on Saturday.
What are the odds?
Paddy Power holds the best bet on a Dortmund victory with a 6/5 odds. Meanwhile, a draw gives 3 back a Bwin and a Munic victory gives the best odds at BETVictor with 15/4.
Wednesday's Champions League features a meeting between number one and two in Group D. Match of the Week is between Dortmund and Real Madrid:
Champions League Group D
Westfalenstadion
24-10-2012 @ 19.45 BST
How is the two teams form?
Dortmund has not had the start of the season as they hoped for. However, the results have been better in Champions League. Currently positioned as number two in the group, they won 1-0 against Ajax and had a draw with Manchester City.
Like Dortmund, Real Madrid has not been too convincing so far in the Primera Division. So far they are positioned four with four wins, 2 draws and two lost games. However, they are unbeaten in the last four matches. It is going better in the Champions League where Manchester City and Ajax were beaten.
What will the starting XI look?
Dortmund will probably keep the starting line they have used for the last couple of Champions League games. The Real Madrid squad is so strong, that no changes will make a difference. However, I don't expect any real surprises why my bid will be:
Weidenfeller
Bender - Hummels - Subotic
Kehl
Leitner - Perisic - Großkreutz - Piszczek
Reus - Lewandowski
-----------------------------------------------
Higuaín
Di Maria - Ronaldo
Modric - Khedira - Alonso
Marcelo - Ramos - Pepe - Arbeloa
Casillas
What to expect from the match?
Real Madrid are the favorites for this match, and Dortmund will have their trouble. However, Dortmund will not play a defensive match. Both teams has some skilled offensives and we can expect some fantastic football from both sides. When that is said Madrid will probably pull out of this as winner.
What are the odds?
Dortmund are the favorites for this match, according to oddschecker.com. A Real Madrid victory gives an average of 11/10 back.
The summer transfer window has hardly closed before we can look forward to the next. Many players are surrounded by rumours sending them to or away from the Premier League in January - Great Dane Football Blog list the most likely to join or leave EPL.
5. Yann M'Vila to Arsenal or Chelsea
Not any transfer window goes by without linking Yann M'Vila to either Arsenal, Chelsea or Tottenham. The french midfielder from Rennes is eager to leave France and join the Premier League. At the moment, Arsenal seems to be the best club for him as they have sold Alex Song. M'Vila can be the replacement on the defensive midfield.
4. Ashley Cole to PSG
Ashley Cole is one of the elder player in Chelsea and is probably on his way out of the team. According to The Mirror, Abramovich has said that no player over 30 will be offered more than a one year contract. Ashley Cole's contract expires next season, leaving the January window as the only option for Chelsea to make money on him. It is well known that Cole is a fan of money, which makes PSG an opportunity as the next employee. Furthermore, PSG-manager Carlo Ancelotti has opened the door for the defender saying his is one of the best on his position.
3. Falcao to Chelsea
Like M'Vila Falcoa is also linked with a transfer to England, in every transfer window the last couple of years. The Columbian has been rumoured close to Chelsea more times than I can count. However, often there has been nothing in the story. The current economic crisis in Spanish football can send Falcao to Chelsea given Atletico Madrid a much needed £45m.
2. Nani to Juventus
Several media reports that Nani should be unhappy with his wage at Old Trafford. Juventus is keeping an eye on the Portuguese and looks as the club most likely to buy him. However, Nani has two years left of his contract and might be too expensive for the Italians.
1. Robert Lewandowski to Manchester United
Manchester United has been out for Robert Lewandowski for the last year and especially after his last season in Dortmund. The Polish striker has rejected to sign a new contract at Dortmund, and the club might want to sell him in January in order to make money on him. United seems as the club most likely to become Lewandowski's next employee having brought his former teammate Shinji Kagawa in earlier this year.
This week’s profile scored 14 goals in this season, which makes him number two on the top scorer list in Denmark. Keep an eye on Aalborg BK’s Nichlas Helenius.
The twenty-one year old striker is not unfamiliar with goals scoring, as he was top scorer for his clubs U19 team with 22 goals. The young talent is aware of his qualities:
“My strengths are my finishing and making my way to the chances. I also believe that I have a good speed, considering my height.”
The impressing statistic resulted in a four year contract and a promotion to the Superliga squad in 2010. While 2010 was a terrible year for AaB and their fans, Helenius had his debut against HB Køge and later scored his first goal against AC Horsens. The striker experienced personal success with 5 goals in four matches, making him the clubs top scorer in a season where they just managed to stay in the best Danish league.
“It was a frustrating season for the club, and especially for us younger players. We had no experience with playing in the Superliga, and then we were a part of the fight against relegation. There were tensions around the club, both from fans and people around the club, but we made it and I think we deserved to stay in the league.”
The personal success was followed up by a selection for the Danish U21 team’s match against Quatar, where Helenius had his debut.
Helenius started the just ended season with a dry period of goal scoring, with almost 1000 minutes without putting the ball in the back of the net. However, this changed when he scored two goals in two matches, and goals started coming in his direction. Manager in Aalborg, describes the attackers journey as:
“He has gone from being a talented young player, to a stabile goal scorer in about a year to a year and a half. He has made great development and has proved in this season that he can score and that he is one of the best strikers in the league.”
The German top club Dortmund was scouting the player, and Director of Sports in AaB, Lynge Jakobsen acknowledge that it could be difficult to keep the young attacker in the club. The interest did not become any smaller when Helenius was selected for the yearly national team of Superliga players, taking part in the King’s Cup in Thailand. Danish media announced that Dutch Roda had made an offer worth 5m Danish kroner (£540.000). However, this was found to be untrue.
The interest from bigger European leagues, is something that gives Helenius an extra boost, he revealed. Perhaps it was this “extra boost” he used when he scored his first hattrick, including an impressing goal, for Aalborg against Silkeborg IF, after the being behind by one, The hattrick impressed European clubs, and not only Roda and Dortmund was reported interested, but also Twente, Feyenoord and Club Brugge was watching him from the stands. Helenius acknowledge the interest but is not hesitating to go abroad:
“The club, my agent and I are agreeing that I will only change club, if it is right for me and AaB. The club has agreed that they will not sell me, just to get money.”
Manager Kent Nielsen says about the interest that “Helenius is not a bigger name, than he can play in Aalborg next season as well”, but he is also aware that the player might not be in the club when the next season starts:
“I hope he stays, but I know as well that the offers to Nicklas or to the club can be too good to say no to.”
Helenius’ next assignment is the U21 friendly against Scotland. The summer will show, if Helenius will be scoring goals in Denmark next season, or if we will see him in a European top club.
Follow up: Andreas Bruhn Christensen - 5 shoot shootout
In relation to last weeks talent profile, Andreas Bruhn Christensen answers 5 questions from the twelve yard spot.
Who is your biggest idol? I have two, and they are Xavi (Barcelona) and Frank Lampard (Chelsea). Xavi has a view of the game and is an intelligent football player who often chooses the right solutions, while Frank Lampard is a scoring midfielder. He scores goals almost when he wants. I would not complain if I could incorporate some of that into my play.
What is your greatest experience as a football player?The trial in Liverpool and my debut for the Danish national team were some great experiences. It is a dream to represent your country. It was a lovely match, and I played well; all together it was a great experience.
Who is the hardest opponent you have ever played against?We met Spain in Copa del Atlantico. They had three midfielders, which were amazing to play against.
Where is Andreas Bruhn in 10 years?I should be in Germany, Holland or England by then. That is what I hope for.
Which team would you most like to play for? If I was to play in Germany would I like to play for Bayern Munich or Borrusia Dortmund. However, playing for Real Madrid in Spain, would be the top of everything.
