Hannover vs Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich travel to Hannover on Saturday in search of another three points to aid their aim of smashing the record number of points ever recorded in the Bundesliga. That number stands at 81 points, the total that the Bavarians can attain with a victory at the AWD Arena.

However, with the title wrapped up and their Champions League semi-final with Barcelona on the horizon, Jupp Heynecks is expected to make some changes to his side.

Phillip Lahm, Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben are all likely to be rested, while the club’s top scorer Mario Mandzukic won’t play a part due to a knock, meaning Mario Gomez is likely to retain his place as the lone striker. The Germany international scored a hat-trick at the weekend in the club’s 6-1 thumping of Wolfsburg, and if you fancy him repeating this against Hannover then various betting sites are offering odds of 28/1.

However, if Bayern are to claim all three points it won’t be without a struggle. Hannover’s home form is notoriously strong and they have beaten Saturday’s visitors in the last two home meetings. In fact, Die Roten are yet to lose a home Bundesliga game in 2013 (five draws and one win).

Hannover will be forced to play a weakened team, though, as the likes of Mario Eggimann, Leon Andreasen and Felipe are all missing through injury. The focus will be on former Manchester United forward Mame Biram Diouf as he looks to build on his 15 goals in all competitions this season.

The Senegalese whippet is 17/2 to open the scoring with Bet 365 or 18/1 to score two or more.

Despite Bayern’s focus firmly being on Barcelona’s visit to the Allianz-Arena next week I cannot look past the champions claiming all three points. Their domination in Germany this campaign has been frightening to watch and they are favourites to lift the Champions League trophy with some bookmakers. They have dropped just four points in their 30 Bundesliga games, conceding just 13 goals, and still have plenty more in their tank.

The reverse fixture of this game earlier in the season finished 5-0 to Bayern, adding to Hannover’s miserable record against the Bavarians. H96 have lost to Bayern more times (30) and conceded more goals (125) than against any other club in their Bundesliga history, so they may be in for a long evening on Saturday.

My prediction: Hannover 1-4 Bayern Munich – 28/1 Bet Victor.