Free-scoring & poised to break records: How Bayern go into meeting with Eintracht

FC Bayern are in for the next crucial encounter in the fight for the championship title when they entertain Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday at 15:30 CET. FCB on 57 points have a six-point edge over closest pursuers Borussia Dortmund after Matchday 22 – a cushion that has never been squandered in the three-point era at this stage of a season. From a purely statistical perspective, then, the title race is already decided. And the chance to steal a march with a victory over Frankfurt – Dortmund play at RB Leipzig in the evening game on Saturday – and improve the position ahead of the direct encounter in Dortmund is there for the taking.

Bayern on course for records

Bayern fans can look forward to the weekend and also to the remainder of the season with optimism in light of the form and performance so far. With 57 points after 22 matchdays, they’ve rarely been in a stronger position – the Bavarians only boasted more points at this stage in 2013/14 (62) and 2015/16 (59). No club in Europe’s top five leagues have a higher points average than FCB (2.59) this season. This is mainly due to Munich’s attacking prowess: 82 goals after 22 matches is another Bundesliga record. Bayern would finish the campaign on an incredible 126 goals if they continue at this rate – easily surpassing the record of 101 goals from 1971/72.

Frankfurt back to winning ways

But Eintracht must not be underestimated despite all superlatives. After the change of coach and a run of seven matches without a win, Frankfurt beat Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-0 last time out. But their away record won’t exactly give the Eagles lot of confidence heading to Munich: Frankfurt have gone without a win in seven competitive matches on the road. Eintracht have also conceded 28 goals away from home – the most of all Bundesliga teams. Worse still, SGE concede 2.6 goals per away match in the league this season, only topped by FC Metz (2.8) in Europe’s top five leagues.

However, Frankfurt are very dangerous going forward: 44 goals this season make the Hessians' attack one of the best in the Bundesliga – only top three Bayern, Dortmund and Hoffenheim have found the net more times. Frankfurt’s efficiency is outstanding: they have surpassed their expected goals value by 14.6 – only FC Bayern are stronger.

Kane, Díaz and Olise – Bayern’s goal machine

This is in no small part thanks to Harry Kane’s top form. Bayern’s goal-getter is chasing Robert Lewandowski’s Bundesliga record of 41 goals in 2020/21 and has already equalled a record with 26 goals after 22 matches. In addition, Kane’s penalty conversion rate is flawless: the England captain has converted all of his 23 penalties in the German top flight, another best. Michael Olise, who is set to return after serving a one-match ban, has set up 16 goals so far and is chasing Thomas Müller’s record, while Luis Díaz has been a big hit as a summer signing and complements the two forwards perfectly. The stage is set for a thrilling match against Eintracht!