Gladbach’s plight is linked directly to their recklessness in front of goal as they’ve had more Bundesliga shots (298) than all but leaders Bayern, but a meagre 25-goal return represents a woeful 8 per cent conversion rate.
Arminia
A recent five-game unbeaten Bundesliga run has lifted Arminia Bielefeld up from the automatic relegation places into 14th place. That run has come partly thanks to them scoring twice in each of their last five league games, and their total of ten goals scored across those matches accounts for half of their total Bundesliga goal tally, really highlighting that uptick in form. Although Bielefeld manager Frank Kramer has watched his side lose all three previous games with Borussia Mönchengladbach by a combined 9-1 scoreline, their current purple patch gives cause for optimism. Especially as none of the last six sides to visit Bielefelder Alm have kept Arminia from scoring, although it’s worth highlighting that the hosts failed to win all but one of those matches, notably squandering a lead in two of their last four here.
Monchengladbach
Underperforming Gladbach sit just one point above Arminia in the table after picking up just 22 points after 20 rounds – their worst return at this stage since 2010/11. It’s been a real fall from grace for a side that finished just one place shy of a European berth last term, but it’s not been a fall without reason. Gladbach’s plight is linked directly to their recklessness in front of goal as they’ve had more Bundesliga shots (298) than all but leaders Bayern, but a meagre 25-goal return represents a woeful 8 per cent conversion rate. Another major factor in Gladbach’s struggles has been their poor away form as they’ve picked up just 36% of their points on the road.
The ‘Foals’ should also be wary of a late collapse given that only one side – rock-bottom Fürth – have conceded more away goals than them after the 75th minute (nine) this season.
Arminia’s Patrick Wimmer both scored and assisted in their only home victory this season, two of his three goals since his switch to Germany have been decisive. Jonas Hoffman is attempting to bring the conversion rate up for Gladbach with his seven league goals this season coming from 36 shots (19 per cent). Arminia are yet to win a league game this season when falling behind at any stage.