Bundesliga Matchday 32: A statistical guide to this weekend's games

There’s no catching Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga — but that is about the only certainty in Germany’s top flight with most clubs having just three games left to play. 

Only two points separate Wolfsburg, Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund as the trio battle it out for two Champions League spots.

Meanwhile, Borussia Monchengladbach will be looking to close a four-point gap on Leverkusen to secure Europa League football next season.

Any of Hertha Berlin, Koln, Arminia Bielefeld or Werder Bremen could still drop into the second tier, while even Augsburg are not safe from relegation.

The picture at both ends of the table could become a whole lot clearer after another mouthwatering weekend of Bundesliga fixtures.

Friday’s game

Stuttgart vs Augsburg (7.30pm)

Borussia Dortmund vs RB Leipzig (Saturday, 2.30pm)

Two of Germany’s big boys go up against each other on Saturday afternoon in a match that matters more to the hosts than their high-flying visitors.

Leipzig’s nine-point lead over Dortmund means their spot in the top four is all but guaranteed — but BVB desperately need points on the board if they are to edge into the Champions League places.

Edin Terzic’s side will be confident of victory having won four league games on the bounce and with star striker Erling Haaland continuing to hit new heights — the Norwegian now has 25 Bundesliga goals this season after scoring four in his last three outings.

Wolfsburg vs Union Berlin (Saturday, 2.30pm)

Wolfsburg’s form has deserted them just when it counts — they have now lost three of their previous four matches, including a damaging defeat to Dortmund a fortnight ago.

Oliver Glasner’s outfit need to get back to winning ways if they are to cling on to third spot but will not have it easy against surprise package Union Berlin.

Die Eisernen are still in with a shot of European football, largely thanks to their remarkably resilient defence.

Only three teams have conceded fewer than their 1.23 goals against per 90 minutes this season — though one of them is Wolfsburg, who have been breached a miserly 1.03 times per 90.

Bayern Munich vs Borussia Monchengladbach (Saturday, 5.30pm)

It is only a matter of time until Bayern clinch the Bundesliga title — but they will want to avoid any more hiccups like their shock 2-1 defeat to Mainz last time out.

The hosts will be optimistic about getting back to winning ways while Robert Lewandowski continues to post such phenomenal numbers.

He has now scored in his last seven consecutive league matches, netting 12 times over that period to take his total for the season to 36.

But Monchengladbach are not short of a goal threat themselves. They have scored 11 goals in their previous three outings, helping them maintain a run of just one defeat in their last six fixtures.

Saturday’s other games

Werder Bremen vs Bayer Leverkusen (2.30pm)
Hoffenheim vs Schalke (2.30pm)

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Mainz (Sunday, 2.30pm)

Frankfurt will be looking over their shoulder at Dortmund’s hot streak after two defeats in three put a dent in their hopes of Champions League qualification.

Die Adler are still in the top four but now only have a one point advantage over BVB, making victory against mid-table Mainz essential.

Unfortunately, they are facing Bo Svensson’s team at the worst possible time — Die Nullfunfer are now unbeaten in eight league matches, picking up five wins during that period.

Frankfurt will need top scorer Andre Silva to continue his exquisite form in front of goal if they are to emerge from Sunday’s match with all three points.

He has struck 25 times across the campaign and is averaging a goal a game in his last six appearances.

Hertha Berlin vs Arminia Bielefeld (Sunday, 5pm)

Things are remarkably tight at the bottom of the Bundesliga and both these teams are in serious danger of falling through the relegation trap door.

But the visitors may feel they have the edge after a run of four games without defeat was only ended by free-scoring Monchengladbach last time out.

Frank Kramer’s men are certainly a good bet for a clean sheet — only three teams have managed more than their nine shutouts in 2020-21.

Sunday’s other game

Koln vs Freiburg (12.30pm)