Robert Lewandowski will be looking to inspire Bayern to victory against a struggling Hamburg side. - © © DFL DEUTSCHE FUSSBALL LIGA
Robert Lewandowski will be looking to inspire Bayern to victory against a struggling Hamburg side. - © © DFL DEUTSCHE FUSSBALL LIGA

The Coach: Three favourable fixtures on Matchday 22

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My no risk, no reward approach to Official Fantasy Bundesliga came back to bite me again on Matchday 21 as for a third time since the season restart I didn’t manage to hit triple digits.

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If only I had stuck with Kai Havertz as captain! Unfortunately I got greedy and, to rub further salt in the wound, I had to sit next to Flo ‘The Scout’ when Jannik Vestergaard, his captain, scored against RB Leipzig. The celebrations were exuberant to say the least and I’m keen to avoid a repeat this weekend. To help me do that I’ve got my eyes on these three fixtures.

Bayern Munich vs. Hamburg

A straight-forward choice perhaps, but Bayern head coach Carlo Ancelotti will be demanding a marked improvement from his side following their 1-1 draw in Berlin. Considering the league leaders are unbeaten against Hamburg dating back to 2010, the Red Shorts, who have conceded 53 goals in the last 15 league games against the German record titleholders, could be the perfect cannon fodder for Ancelotti’s star-studded ensemble.

Watch: Highlights of Bayern's 1-1 draw at Hertha on Matchday 21:

- © DFL DEUTSCHE FUSSBALL LIGA

Player recommendations

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Thiago (MF, 161pts, 14M): Thiago has been one of the biggest fantasy surprises for me, but having scored 54 points in his last five starts is a must-have this weekend.

Robert Lewandowski (FW, 160pts, 16.4M): Lewandowski has netted four goals in his last four games against HSV and will most certainly return to the starting line-up on Saturday.

- © DFL DEUTSCHE FUSSBALL LIGA

RB Leipzig vs. Cologne

It wasn’t their most convincing performance, but Leipzig’s 2-1 win over in-form Gladbach was exactly the response Ralph Hasenhüttl will have wanted to see from his charges after the defeat to Hamburg. Starting with the visit of Cologne, Leipzig have a favourable run of fixtures ahead of them and it’s important they maintain momentum against the Billy Goats, who were fortunate to come away with a point against Schalke last time out.

Player recommendations

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Willi Orban (DF, 171pts, 11.55M): Back from suspension, the highest scoring defender in the game will need to keep Anthony Modeste quiet. If he does, it should lead to a big points haul.

Emil Forsberg (FW, 126pts, 12.2M): Arguably the player of the season so far, Forsberg has had a hand in 15 goals in 2016/17 and has picked up 9 points or more on eight occasions.

Hertha Berlin vs. Eintracht Frankfurt

Hertha were magnificent against Bayern last weekend and would have deserved to walk away with all three points for the courage and resolve they demonstrated in the game. However, should they produce a similar performance against Frankfurt, lightning is unlikely to strike twice. The Eagles have lost two on the bounce without scoring and need a win to halt their slide down the standings. I just can’t see that happening in the capital.

Player recommendations

Niklas Stark (DF, 129pts, 9.65M): Stark slipped off my radar when he dropped into Hertha’s backline, but now that he’s back in midfield, he’s the best out-of-position option in the game.

Vedad Ibisevic (FW, 172pts, 11.5M): Ibisevic ended a run of 717 minutes without a goal against Bayern, but despite that dry spell has earned just one point less than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang!

If you’re feeling brave then don’t overlook the relegation six-pointer between Wolfsburg and Bremen. I reckon that game could spring a surprise or two in Official Fantasy Bundesliga!  

Never tactics bored,

JT

Watch: The standout players from Matchday 21: