Bayern Munich v Dortmund: Leaders to see off holders

Mario Mandzukic has been in scintillating form since joining Bayern

This German Cup quarter-final pairs the Bundesliga's top two teams, but who will prevail? Christian Crowther can only see a Bayern victory...

Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund, Wednesday 19:30, ESPN, Match Odds: Bayern 1.768/11, Dortmund 5.24/1, The Draw 4.1n/a  

It's almost a bit of a shame for the DFB Pokal that the leading lights of German football, final opponents last term, have been paired together at the quarter-final stage of this season's competition.

Still, the other teams in the last eight won't be complaining too much.

Bayern Munich represent the runaway leaders of the Bundesliga. Having lost just one of their 23 games to date, they currently sit a full 17 points ahead of their visitors Borussia Dortmund.

Jupp Heynckes has achieved what most managers only search for in vain this season. The statesman of German football has not only moulded Bayern into an extremely robust defensive unit but a devastating attacking force as well.

Unsurprisingly, the net result is that his side simply amass victories for fun, including eight in a row leading up to this clash in fact.   

This particular purple patch matches the run the Bavarians went on at the outset of the season, a streak which interestingly had its tone set by a Super Cup triumph over Dortmund in August, their a much-needed first victory over the champions in six attempts.

Of course, Dortmund have their own standout qualities under Jurgen Klopp but have lacked the ruthless consistency of this Bayern team, especially lately where Klopp's men have only recorded one win in their last four matches. 

They do remain one of only three visitors to escape without defeat at the Allianz Arena in 16 games since then, but on current form it's difficult to see them repeating that feat. 

Bayern Munich to score in both halves

Replete with the likes of Mario Gomez, Mario Mandzukic, Toni Kroos and Arjen Robben - two of whom aren't even guarenteed a starting place at present - Bayern simply have no trouble finding the net. As Arsenal found out, this side can hurt you at any time during the match. In fact, you have to go back six matches to find the last time that Bayern didn't notch either side of half-time, something they've achieved in nine of their last 11 games. 

To Score 

Some players who shine at international tournaments then fall flat when they are picked up by big clubs subsequently. This is certainly not the case for Croatia's Mandzukic who has shone since joining Bayern from Wolfsburg in the summer, bagging 19 goals. He's currently in the midst of a purple patch too, racking up seven in his five starts since the winter break and, after being rested against Werder Bremen, should be in line for a starting place here. 

Best Bet: Back Bayern Munich to score in both halves @ 2.68/5
Other Recommended Bet: Back Mario Mandzukic to score @ 2.111/10