Bayern Munich v FC Koln: Champions to put relegation favourites to sword

Top against bottom meet in the Bundesliga on Wednesday night when Bayern Munich play host to FC Koln at Allianz Arena.

Bayern have been crowned as champions in each of the last five seasons and, having established an eight-point advantage at the top of the table after 15 league matches so far this season, Jupp Heynckes’ side look to be firmly on course to take the title for a sixth successive time.

The Bavarians were beaten by Borussia Dortmund last month - the only fixture that the German champions have failed to win since Heynckes took over from Carlo Ancelotti as manager back in October - and a home win is as short as 1/14 (1.07).

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FC Koln may have claimed a famous victory against Arsenal in the Europa League earlier this season, but they have had nothing to smile about in the league thus far this term; indeed, the basement boys have collected just three points so far this season – all from draws.

It seemed likely that Koln would claim their first league win on Sunday afternoon when they raced into a 3-0 lead against Freiburg, but they capitulated and lost 4-3 after conceding two penalties in stoppage time, with the winner coming in the 96th minute.

It is a result that left the Billy Goats a huge 12 points adrift of safety and, as such, it will surely take a remarkable reversal in fortunes if Stephen Ruthenbeck’s side are going to avoid relegation at the end of the campaign.

They are chalked up as a chunky 33/1 (34.0) chance with Paddy Power to claim their first league win of the season here, while the same firm go 11/1 (12.0) that Koln pick up a precious point against the German champions.

The gulf in class between these two teams, though, appears to be huge and Bayern can be backed at just 1/3 (1.34) with Paddy Power to lead at both half time and full time, while the same firm go 8/11 (1.73) that Heynckes’ side win by at least three clear goals when these two rivals lock horns.

Bayern are expected to dominate proceedings and, with Heynckes’ side brimming with belief, Paddy Power’s 8/11 (1.73) quote for the Bavarians to win both halves could prove to be a shrewd selection for punters ahead of Wednesday’s action.