Preview: Bayern vs Cottbus

By: Angela | November 21st, 2008

A little note from loyal reader, Luke:

And so, it’s Bayern vs. Energie Cottbus, or as the Sorbs would say “Chosebuz”. It’s hard to find much optimistic data for Cottbus supporters. FC Energie have never won in Munich, and have managed only 2 goals all time in Munich. So I challenged myself to go inside the numbers, to find some reason for we Bayern supporters to be concerned.

A few key statistics show that while Energie doesn’t look likely to get out of the cellar, they have shown improvement over the last 3 matches, since switiching to a base 4-4-2 formation. In fact, in the 3 matches prior to the switch, Energie averaged 9.3 shots per match and only 34% ball possession. Not the stuff of champions. In the 3 matches since, however, those numbers have shifted upward to 13.6 shots and 43% possession on average. Numbers like that will give most teams a fighting chance, and indeed, Energie was able to pull to victory over Karlsruhe. Perhaps Energie will be a bit less intimidated, considering they handled Bayern’s last visit in the spring quite well, dealing a distracted Bayern side a 2-0 defeat.

Are you scared yet? I didn’t think so. Bayern can afford to rest Ribery and Lucio (please rest Lucio!), and maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to give Kroos a start, and let him work his magic, as he did in last season’s match against in Munich vs FC Energie. Overall, I think we can expect a match similar to the Bielefeld match in overall pace, with hopefully some lessons learned about finishing brought forward into this match from that one.

Thanks Luke!

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• jocamryn |  November 21st, 2008 at 3:19 pm

  
  
  

  Yeah expect a 1:0 Bayern win and a boring slow game w/the B team

  Posted from Germany

  

• Angela |  November 21st, 2008 at 3:51 pm

  
  
  

  Jocamryn: Except that Ribery plans on playing. He was raving about the pink boots he’s going to wear for the first time this weekend.

  Posted from United States

  

• A Kap |  November 21st, 2008 at 10:45 pm

  
  
  

  I think Bayern is going to play down to competition in this game. However, a late 2nd half charge will pad the score into something flattering.

  Is it just plain cynicism that I’m expecting the D to concede 1 or 2?

  Posted from United States

  

• jocamryn |  November 23rd, 2008 at 9:36 am

  
  
  

  I didn’t get to see it but I was sporting my FCB regalia in Stuttgart over the weekend, good thing I didn’t get Beat down in light of their “opposite score” loss.

  I’m guessing Sosa(ad) didn’t play, otherwise it would have been 4:4.

  I’m just now reading up on the scoreline.

  Posted from Germany

  

• Angela |  November 23rd, 2008 at 11:42 am

  
  
  

  Jocamryn: I didn’t see the game yesterday because I was out at the Grand Canyon, but I caught up with it today and have to say that it was a better game. I don’t know why Demichelis was subbed for van Buyten when it should’ve been Lucio, but I’m not complaining. As long as van Buyten gets playing time I’m happy.
  Sosa didn’t play. Lell didn’t play. I’d be very happy with Lell staying on the bench permanently.

  Posted from United States

  

• jocamryn |  November 23rd, 2008 at 10:08 pm

  
  
  

  Oddo had assisted for moat of the goals…. He’s quite an addition to this team!

  Demichelis goal
  Toni Goal
  I think Klose goal as well

  Posted from Germany

  

• Angela |  November 24th, 2008 at 11:55 am

  
  
  

  Jocamryn: You’re right – Oddo is fantastic. I’m definitely a fan.

  Demichelis, Klose, Toni and Ribery were the goal scorers.

  Posted from United States

  

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