BERLIN, Jan 24, 2025 (V7N) — Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane will aim to end his scoring drought from open play when the league leaders face a tough away trip to Freiburg on Saturday.

Despite topping the Bundesliga scoring charts with 16 goals in 16 games, Kane has not scored from open play since November, a seven-game run in all competitions. However, his reliability from the penalty spot—extending to 27 consecutive conversions—has masked his recent struggles.

Bayern sporting director Max Eberl backed Kane to bounce back, saying, "He knows he hasn’t scored, but he’s experienced enough to handle this dip."

Freiburg, sitting eighth, have been strong at home this season, losing just once in nine games. Coach Julian Schuster is prepared for a Bayern side seeking redemption after a 3-0 Champions League loss at Feyenoord. "When Bayern lose, they come back stronger. We must be ready for that," Schuster said.

Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen, defending champions, travel to RB Leipzig, aiming to close the gap to Bayern at the top of the table. Xabi Alonso’s side, who suffered a midweek setback at Atletico Madrid, remain in dominant form domestically, winning their last eight league games. Leipzig, despite their inconsistency, are the only team to beat Leverkusen in the league since May 2023.

In Dortmund, interim coach Mike Tullberg takes charge after the sacking of Nuri Sahin. Dortmund, languishing in 10th, host Werder Bremen and are desperate for a turnaround after winning just one of their last nine matches.

Player to Watch: Patrik Schick

Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick has been in scintillating form, scoring 12 goals in his last eight games. With Victor Boniface set to return from injury, Schick’s presence bolsters an already formidable Leverkusen attack.

Key Stats

5: Benjamin Sesko has scored in five consecutive league games.

8: Bayer Leverkusen have won their last eight Bundesliga matches.

16th: Dortmund have the third-worst away record in the league, winning just one of nine games on the road.

Fixtures (1430 GMT unless stated):

Friday

Wolfsburg v Holstein Kiel (1930)

Saturday

Mainz v Stuttgart, RB Leipzig v Bayer Leverkusen, Augsburg v Heidenheim, Freiburg v Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund v Werder Bremen, Borussia Moenchengladbach v Bochum (1730)

Sunday

Hoffenheim v Eintracht Frankfurt, St Pauli v Union Berlin (1630)

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