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FC Bayern host Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday for a Bundesliga Matchday 23 clash at home in the Allianz Arena (kick-off at 15:30 CET, live coverage on fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern app with our text commentary and free web radio). Head coach Vincent Kompany's side will be looking to further improve their excellent position in the title race with a win. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our preview.
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As they prepared to head into the business end of the season, FC Bayern faced yet another onset of winter. It started snowing heavily in Munich during training on Thursday afternoon. "We dealt with it quickly and didn't continue training as planned because it would have been too dangerous. Nevertheless, we got our runs in and physically did everything we wanted to," explained Kompany in the pre-match press conference on Friday. Ahead of the final training session, numerous FCB staff members even lent a hand to clear the training pitch of snow so the team were able to complete their final session as planned, giving them the ideal preparation for Saturday's home game against Eintracht Frankfurt. The match against the Eagles signals the start of what will be a crucial few weeks until the international break at the end of March - during which time Bayern will face Borussia Dortmund and Bayer 04 Leverkusen away from home, as well as competing in the last 16 of the Champions League.
The facts on the clash with Frankfurt:
However, Bayern are concentrating solely on the next game, as Kompany stressed: "I'm focused purely on the Frankfurt match. It's important that we now win at home against them. There's no hierarchy of games at the moment; they're equally important. Right now it's all about Frankfurt." Bayern are currently top of the Bundesliga with a six-point lead over closest rivals Dortmund, who visit RB Leipzig on Saturday. A home win against Frankfurt would further consolidate their favourable position ahead of the head-to-head with BVB.
Read the key statements from the pre-match press conference here:
The opposition: Eintracht Frankfurt
Two and a half weeks ago, Albert Riera took over as head coach at Eintracht Frankfurt. The hope is that the 43-year-old Spaniard will usher in a turnaround after what’s been a patchy campaign so far. After finishing third last season, Eintracht have been inconsistent too often this term and have repeatedly revealed cracks in their in defence in particular. Following the change of coach, the Eagles picked up four points from their last two games and were particularly impressive in the 3-0 home win against Borussia Mönchengladbach last weekend. With 31 points after 22 games, they're currently sitting in seventh place.
However, Eintracht head to Munich with a severely depleted squad and will be without a number of key players. "We know we're missing a lot of important players, but we're ready and have a plan. I want us to show some character," said Frankfurt coach Riera. At least top striker Jonathan Burkardt is set to make his comeback to the squad following a calf injury. "It's very clear what you have to do to beat Bayern; be extremely compact defensively and efficient in transitioning. You don't get many chances in Munich. You have to capitalise on the ones you do get. If you don't do that, you have no chance," said Burkardt in an interview on eintracht.de. "In general, everyone will need to have a perfect day and we'll have to defend consistently and compactly. Otherwise it'll be difficult."
We take a look at our upcoming opponents in our opposition profile:
Team news
Jonas Urbig will replace Manuel Neuer in the Bayern goal, after our number 1 suffered a tear in his left calf against Bremen.
Frankfurt will be without Arthur Theate (meniscus), Rasmus Kristensen (ankle), Can Uzun (thigh), Younes Ebnoutalib (medial collateral ligament tear in his knee), Michy Batshuayi (metatarsal fracture), Ansgar Knauff (abdominal surgery) and captain Robin Koch (cold). However, Farès Chaïbi (knee) and Arnaud Kalimuendo (shoulder) are expected to be available.
Test your knowledge of the fixture in our Matchday Quiz:
What the coaches say
You have to plan with what you can see. We've seen what Frankfurt have done in the last two games and what the coach did with his previous teams. We have to be prepared to be flexible in the game.
Vincent Kompany
We always prepare in such a way that we want to win. They're very strong opponents, so there are lots of things to consider, but perfection doesn't exist. We want to see where we can hurt them.
Albert Riera (Eintracht Frankfurt coach)
Read the key statements from the pre-match press conference here:
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