Bayern Munich - Wolfsburg Special: Can Bundesliga newcomer Steve McClaren outwit Louis van Gaal?

Difficult first assignment for English coach...

By Patrick Reilly

20 Aug 2010 10:30:00

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Louis van Gaal, Bayern München

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Match Odds: Bayern Munich 1.60, Draw 3.76, Wolfsburg 5.41

Germany's Bundesliga screams back into action on Friday night with a cracking match up between the champions of the past two years.

Bayern Munich romped to the German double last season despite an indifferent start to the Bundesliga. The Bavarians could only pick up two points from their first three games and were beaten by newly promoted Mainz.

Manager Louis van Gaal was under serious pressure amid calls for his head but things got underway in week four when Bayern beat reigning champions Wolfsburg 3-0. FC Hollywood didn't look back and went on to win their 22nd league title and reach the Champions League final.

Wolfsburg by contrast had a shocking title defence. Minus coach Felix Magath Die Wolfe limped to eighth losing eight games at the Volkswagen Arena. A year earlier they went unbeaten at home including a memorable 5-1 thumping of Bayern Munich en route to the Bundesliga. Something had to change.

The Germans have brought in Steve McClaren who becomes the first English manager in the German top flight. Ridiculed by England fans for his disastrous stint managing the Three Lions McLaren comes with an impressive pedigree having led unfancied FC Twente to the Eredivisie last season.

* Louis Van Gaal and Steve McClaren have won the last two Eredivisie titles with AZ Alkmaar and FC Twente respectively

McClaren has wasted no time spending the Volkswagen cash bringing in Simon Kjaer and Arne Friedrich. His mandate is to bring European football back to to Die Wolfe after a dismal 2008-09.

'I'm proud to be in Germany, proud to be in the Bundesliga, and there's no better game to start than Bayern Munchen away. I'm looking forward to it - it's the reason why you're in football," McClaren told the press in advance of the match.

Bayern are without Arjen Robben and Ivica Olic for the match who are both nursing injuries. Captain Mark Van Bommel may also miss out as he recovers from a muscular strain. Wolfsburg won't be able to call on the services of shot stopper Diego Benaglio whose wife is due to give birth.

Opening Day Trends
Both teams have good records on the opening day of the season. Bayern have drawn their opening game for the past two years and preceded that with three straight wins. Wolfsburg have won their last two openers followed by a loss and two draws stretching back to 2005-06.

Goals Expected
Goals and lots of em tend to be the norm when these sides meet. Six of the last eight have gone over 2.5 goals including the past four.

* Over 2.5 goals - 1.68/ Under 2.5 goals - 2.13

Bayern have won the last nine games in Munich between the sides and you need to go back to 2001 for the last time Wolfsburg picked up even a point in Munich.

* Bayern to win - 1.68

The corresponding fixture last season ended in a 3-0 win for the eventual league champions.

For all McClaren's fighting talk a home win and over 2.5 goals look the sensible bets.

Match Odds: Bayern Munich 1.60, Draw 3.76, Wolfsburg 5.41

Steve McClaren Betting Specials
Stev McClaren not to win Bundesliga during his time with Wolfsburg: 1.08
Wolfsburg to qualify for next season's Champions League: 4.00
Steve McClaren to win Bundesliga during his time with Wolfsburg: 7.00
Steve McClaren to become next England Manager: 9.00
Wolfsburg to beat Bayern Munchen home and away this season: 21.00

Bayern Munich Trophy Multiples Odds
No Trophy: 3.00
Bundesliga & DFB Pokal: 5.00
Bundesliga & Champions League: 26.00
DFB Pokal & Champions League: 51.00
Bundesliga, DFB Pokal & Champions League: 81.00

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Odds correct at time of publication. Predictions are based on current form and information and cannot be guaranteed. Goal.com encourages all readers who bet to do so sensibly.