Bayern out to silence critics

BERLIN: Carlo Ancelotti’s Bayern Munich will be looking to silence their critics with victory over Mainz in the Bundesliga today.

A 3-0 victory over Anderlecht in the Champions League on Tuesday was overshadowed by reports of internal disharmony in Munich.

The German media have reported growing discord between coach Ancelotti and leading players such as Thomas Mueller, Franck Ribery and Robert Lewandowski.

Borussia Dortmund host Cologne tomorrow, as they look to bounce back from defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in midweek.

Cologne coach Peter Stoeger may well rest some key players after their Europa League opener against Arsenal on Thursday.

Champions League goalscorer Emil Forsberg is expected to be rested for Leipzig’s clash with Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Forsberg scored Leipzig’s first ever Champions League goal in their 1-1 draw with Monaco on Wednesday.

Midfield all-rounder Jonas Hofmann looks set to return as Gladbach go after their first win since the opening weekend.

Hanover have been one of the season’s early surprises, and could go top of the Bundesliga with a win over Hamburg yesterday.

The promoted side are unbeaten since Andre Breitenreiter took over in April, and have not conceded a single goal at home under the new coach.

Hoffenheim remain unbeaten in second, having shown their quality with a 2-0 win over Bayern last Saturday.

Hertha’s hopes of taking something back to Berlin lie with Mathew Leckie, who has three goals in three league games for his new club. AFP