FC Bayern in Hoffenheim have to do without top league top scorer Robert Lewandowski. In contrast, Borussia Dortmund relies on the wonder boy Erling Haaland on matchday 24 of the Bundesliga.
Berlin (dpa) - Led by FC Bayern, three title hunters are challenged today in the Bundesliga. After their Champions League gala, the Munich team has to prove itself in everyday business in Hoffenheim; Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Mönchengladbach also have quite solvable tasks ahead of them.
REPRESENTATION: Who will replace the irreplaceable? Robert Lewandowski is missing FC Bayern injured for around four weeks - some are already worried about the triple chance of the record champions. "We will compensate for this in whatever form," said coach Hansi Flick before the Munich appearance at 1899 Hoffenheim (3:30 p.m. / Sky). Serge Gnabry, who last shone in the Champions League game at Chelsea with two goals, is considered the first option for the Lewandowski position in the storm center. Bayern have to make amends after the surprising 1: 2 defeat in the first half in Hoffenheim.
WONDERKNABE: The turbo start of Erling Haaland in the Bundesliga gives Borussia Dortmund hope in the home game against SC Freiburg (3:30 p.m. / Sky) for further great achievements of the super striker. The 19-year-old Norwegian's hit rate is phenomenal with nine goals in six league games. Haaland was also successful in his first appearances for BVB in the DFB Cup and the Champions League. The longer forced break for Captain Marco Reus is at least easier to get over.
Fool's time: Carnival is over, but 1. FC Köln would like to extend the great days a little longer. The 5-0 at Hertha BSC the previous week was like a huge mood cannon for the team of coach Markus Gisdol. In the evening game against FC Schalke 04 (6.30 p.m. / Sky), however, the Cologne team has to do without winter new signing Mark Uth. The striker may not play against his ex-club due to a contractual clause. The Schalke play the last time they played 0: 5 against RB Leipzig, but the remaining Cologne should also cause them plenty of concern.
STAY ON: Now Marco Rose and Borussia Mönchengladbach have to prove whether the team is really ready for big things. Does the fourth in the table run out of steam in the title race after the annoying 1-1 against Hoffenheim - or can the Gladbachers keep up with the league heavyweights from Munich, Leipzig and Dortmund? At FC Augsburg (3.30pm / Sky), Borussia has never won in eight league games. "It will be an exciting task for us," said Rose.
EMERGENCY: Paderborn coach Steffen Baumgart has had enough of all the hymns of praise. "I would also like to get more points than compliments," said the taillight coach. In the game at the relegation-threatened FSV Mainz 05 (3.30 p.m. / Sky), points are mandatory for the Paderborners. With a win, East Westphalia could move up to three points to Mainz.
Matchday information