Bayern want to be on top

Berlin, Dec. 15: Bayern Munich travel to Stuttgart on Saturday for their final match before the Bundesliga’s winter break with a nine-point lead and on a run of 13 wins in 14 games in all competitions. Bayern’s 16 league games this season.

Bayern must brush off fatigue and rediscover some creativity after Wednesday’s lacklustre 10 win over last-place Cologne when Lewandowski showed quick reactions to hit a second-half winner.

He still looks fresh despite already playing 24 games, but Bayern need to buy an under-study, reportedly they plan to sign Hoffenheim’s Sandro Wagner before the knockout stages of the Champions League to be played.

In Stuttgart, Bayern should have Sven Ulreich back in goal after recovering from a groin injury even though understudy Tom Starke, 36, has kept clean sheets in their last two games. Salomon Kalou’s Hertha Berlin travel to thirdplaced RB Leipzig for Sunday’s east German derby looking to prolong the hosts’ winless streak.

Faltering Leipzig are winless in their last four games, including their 2-1 home defeat Besiktas, which confirmed their Champions League exit.

Ex-Chelsea striker Kalou, netted twice in Hertha’s 3-1 win to Hanover to give him three goals in two games after his late equaliser poached a point at Augsburg. — AFP

Lewandowski in form Kalou on fire