Bayern ready for Schalke clash
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Munich, Germany (SportsNetwork.com) - Bayern Munich will aim to keep its unbeaten mark in Bundesliga play intact on Saturday when the defending European champions welcome Schalke to the Allianz Arena.
Bayern has been absolutely dominant in Bundesliga play this season, boasting 22 wins to go with just two draws and a massive 19-point advantage in the table over second-place Bayer Leverkusen.
The club appears certain to claim another domestic league title in the coming weeks and can break a few records in the process.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Bavarians have not lost in league play since 2012 - a steak of 47 consecutive matches - and have won 14 straight league games this season since a 1-1 draw with Leverkusen back on Oct. 5.
Last time out, Bayern cruised to a 4-0 thrashing of Hannover behind a brace from Thomas Muller and goals from Thiago Alcantara and Mario Mandzukic.
"The early minutes are always tricky. It took a while before we found our rhythm," Bayern manager Pep Guardiola said. "We played very well once we'd scored. It was a chance to extend our lead over our rivals - and my lads have done just that."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}On Saturday, Bayern could become the first Bundesliga club to score two goals in 15 consecutive games. They also have conceded just nine goals this season and could surpass the 21 clean sheets they claimed last season, with the side having kept 14 shutouts so far.
However, after scoring a double last weekend, the side could be a bit shorthanded as Muller sustained a pulled hamstring and will miss this week's meeting with Schalke.
Also in the Bundesliga on Saturday, Leverkusen welcomes Mainz to the BayArena while Borussia Dortmund will need a bounce-back effort against Nurnberg after a 3-0 defeat against Hamburg.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Augsburg hosts Hannover, Monchengladbach faces Braunschweig, and Werder Bremen faces Hamburg.
On Sunday, Wolfsburg continues its push for a Champions League place against Hoffenheim, while Eintracht hosts Stuttgart.
Friday's action saw Hertha Berlin play to a 0-0 draw with Freiburg.