Bayern Munich: Five things to watch for against Hertha Berlin

Bayern Munich will conclude their January Bundesliga schedule on Sunday against Hertha Berlin. Following a convincing 4-0 win over FC Koln, Bayern is looking for another victory to ensure they remain at least six points ahead of Borussia Dortmund entering February. Here are five things to watch for ahead of Sunday’s Matchday 20 fixture.

Robert Lewandowski closing in on 25 league goals

It’s been a special week for Robert Lewandowski as he was named the Best FIFA Men’s Player for 2021. Just a few days prior to his award, the Bayern striker scored his 300th career Bundesliga goal in the 4-0 win over Koln. On Sunday, he could reach 25 league goals scored in the current term. He will enter the match against Hertha with 23 goals scored which is currently the best goal tally in the league. In his last three appearances against Hertha, Lewandowski has scored seven goals.

Another clean sheet?

Three of the last four meetings between Bayern and Hertha have ended in a clean sheet victory for Bayern. In their first meeting this season, it was a 5-0 win for Bayern.

A clean sheet on Sunday would be Bayern’s eighth of the league season and their fourth in their last five matches. They are currently tied with Mainz for the league lead in clean sheets with both clubs at seven clean sheets each. (Stats courtesy: fbref)

Thomas Muller assist streak

Thomas Muller has five assists in his last four appearances and has the opportunity to extend his assist streak to five matches on Sunday. The Bayern player has an incredible 16 assists in 19 appearances so far this season. He continues to move closer to his career-best which is 21 assists in a single Bundesliga season.

Leroy Sane goal involvement

Leroy Sane has been having a big impact offensively lately. In his last three appearances, he has produced three assists and one goal. Additionally, Sane has registered 14 shot-creating actions in his last three matches. Against Hertha in August, he had one assist in the 5-0 victory.

The winger needs to score just two more goals to better his goal tally from last season and three more assists would also see him better his assist tally from last season as well. Sane had a great start to the second half of the season with his performance against Koln and the match against Hertha offers the opportunity for more goals and assists.

Closely contested fixtures on the road against Herta

Bayern has won in two of their last five Bundesliga matches when they face Hertha away from home. Although the two most recent away Bundesliga fixtures for Bayern against Hertha have ended in victory, Hertha has proven in the past they are capable of earning points against Bayern. Hertha has already defeated one of the Bundesliga’s top clubs at home this season when they defeated Dortmund 3-2 in December.