Bayern to beat Bremen, Dortmund to down Berlin in DFB Pokal semi-finals
Published:
Holly Thackeray | April 18, 2016
The DFB Pokal semi-finals hit the silver screen this midweek, and the final four should make for scintillating viewing, as big-guns Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund both aim to avoid upsets against underdogs Werder Bremen and Hertha Berlin respectively.
As these German giants grapple for a place in the grand finale, Coral present our thoughts on the fascinating fixtures and also the best bets on offer.
Bayern Munich v Werder Bremen
- DFB Pokal
- Tuesday, April 19th
- Kick-off: 19:30 BST
- Allianz Arena, Munich
- Live on BT Sport Europe
Bayern still targeting treble
Bavarian big-guns Bayern Munich are certainly busy bees at the business end of this season, with a seven point lead at the Bundesliga summit, a semi-final Champions League date with Atletico Madrid and this last four fixture in the DFB Pokal.
With a treble still up for grabs, the Allianz Arena outfit are odds-on 1/10 chances to push past opponents Werder Bremen in this domestic cup contest.
Bundesliga relegation battlers Bremen (huge match outsiders at 20/1) have had a good run, but look set to see their Pokal story end in Munich, having been thrashed 5-0 on their last visit to Bayern’s base camp. While, Pep Guardiola’s guys are a fantastic 13/5 to score as many or more again.
Werder are a more tempting, but still unlikely 8/1, chance to draw, with former Bayern boy Claudio Pizarro and in-form Fin Bartels their most likely dangermen.
Lethal Lewandowski looking for glory
The Munich men certainly seem up for scooping the trio of top trophies, as leading man Robert Lewandowski told press: “The most important phase of the season is upon us.
“We were knocked out of the DFB Pokal by Dortmund at this stage last year, so we have to win. We want a trip to Berlin.
Fearsome Poland frontman Lewandowski dispatched a double last time out to sink Schalke, but was on the bench previously in Portugal as Bayern met Benfica.
“I’m delighted with my two goals at the weekend and I hope I manage a couple more in the next few games,” said the sharpshooter.
“I was a bit annoyed that I was benched against Benfica, but maybe it’s good to stop sometimes and then go for it again.”
Other scoring shouts for the hosts include Chilean midfield dynamo Arturo Vidal, who has hit two in as many of his last matches and ever-present poacher Thomas Muller, who has breached Bremen’s backline home and away already this campaign.
Hertha Berlin v Borussia Dortmund
- DFB Pokal
- Wednesday, April 20th
- Kick-off: 19:30 BST
- Olympiastadion, Berlin
- Live on BT Sport Europe
Dortmund to bounce back in Berlin duel
In a season where Borussia Dortmund have been one of Europe’s most dangerous teams, they could still end up empty-handed, with the DFB Pokal now Thomas Tuchel’s most realistic shot at silverware after the shock of a last-gasp loss to Liverpool in the Europa League.
Travelling to Berlin for a clash in the capital will be no easy task, however, as Hertha (19/4 to win and book slot in the final) have been on an extraordinary journey of their own, as they remain in the fourth and final Champions League spot ahead of Mainz and Borussia Monchengladbach.
The Black and Yellows are odds-on at 4/7 to best the Blue-Whites on the road, though a splitting of spoils at 14/5 could move more profitable thanks to Hertha’s excellent home record against Dortmund.
Hertha strong at home
German capital club Hertha held Tuchel’s team at the Olympiastadion earlier this season, and have lost at home in just two of their last five tussles there with Dortmund.
Berlin may prove a potential banana skin then but, after the Black and Yellows battered Hamburg 3-0 at the weekend they should secure safe passage and are best value at 23/10 to beat Hertha and both teams score.
Former Chelsea attacker Salomon Kalou has impressed for Hertha and hit home against Dortmund back in August, while Vedad Ibisevic is another important forward threat for the hosts.
Tuchel, meanwhile, may give another chance to Adrian Ramos up top after his heroic brace against Hamburg, while usual suspects Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Marco Reus will also be seeking to strike.
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