FC Hollywood to topple Dinosaur

Munich - In Spain we have the famous "El Clasico" between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Germany's equivalent is "Der Klassiker" between Bundesliga stalwarts FC Bayern Munich and Hamburger SV (HSV).

The Bavarians have won only two out of the last eight matches against the six-time Bundesliga champions. However, the visitors from the Elbe will still be smarting from their last journey to the Allianz Arena in March earlier this year. A 6-0 capitulation, including an Arjen Robben hat-trick, signalled the end for Armin Veh as HSV Coach.

New Bayern defender Jerome Boateng will line up against one of his former clubs. And likely FCB substitutes Ivica Olic and Daniel van Buyten also both enjoyed successful spells in Hamburg.

Thomas Müller will hope to regain a starting place after a strong showing as a substitute in Wednesday's Champions League qualifier victory over FC Zurich.

The record Bundesliga champions suffered a shock home reverse against unfancied Borussia Moenchengladbach in their opening league fixture and were arguably fortunate to win in Wolfsburg last weekend. A late Luiz Gustavo goal secured three points after the Wolves had a perfectly good goal controversially chalked off for offside.

New "Red Shorts" Director of Football Frank Arnesen has brought with him some talented youngsters from his spell at Chelsea. But the likes of Michael Mancienne and Jeffrey Bruma remain inexperienced at the top level.

HSV are winless in nine games and can boast only one win in 13 games since unproven coach Michael Oenning took over the hot-seat. And the "Bundesliga Dinosaur" has already conceded five goals in their opening two league games.

Captain Philipp Lahm certainly expects a good showing: "The team played the way we know we can. We were fast up front, created lots of chances and kept our opponents under pressure. We are confident for going into our next match at the weekend."

I back Bayern to continue the feel-good factor from their comfortable victory in midweek.

Prediction: Bayern 3 Hamburg 0