Daily Schmankerl: A Bayern Munich vs. Dusseldorf prediction; Bayern to bid for AS Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo?; Nicolas Pepe news; and MORE!

Bayern vs. Dusseldorf: A prediction (Bavarian Football Works)

One week after dismantling Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich looked set for a tough match against a rising Fortuna Dusseldorf side that has recently found its survival instinct and set itself up safely in the middle of the table. Given the threat of a letdown after such a big victory, this initially looked like a spot where Bayern could be susceptible to an upset.

For as well as Dusseldorf has played lately, the roster is just too banged up to put forth its best effort — which is exactly what it would need to beat Bayern. For the Bavarians, the talent and depth on the roster should be able to carry the effort in this game.

As always, the biggest questions revolve around the lineup. Given how well the starting XI played last weekend against BVB, does Niko Kovac change anything? Will Leon Goretzka step back in for Javi Martinez? Will James Rodriguez slot in at the 10 and push Thomas Muller to the wing or to the bench? Does Kovac rotate in Jerome Boateng at center back?

Any of those scenarios are possible, but they likely won’t have any detrimental effect in this one. Bayern looks poised to exert its will on Dusseldorf and come away with a convincing win.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 4, Fortuna Dusseldorf 0

Bayern making a serious bid for Zaniolo? (Football Italia)

Back in February, Bayern was linked with AS Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, which seemed like a bit of a shocking move given the higher profile names the Bavarians has been rumored to be looking at.

Now, however, it looks like that interest in the 19-year-old sensation may be heating up. Bayern is allegedly set to do battle with Juventus, Manchester, City, Real Madrid, and Paris-Saint Germain in an effort to procure Zaniolo.

Bayern Munich have reportedly joined the race for Roma teenage sensation Nicolo Zaniolo and are prepared to offer €50m. According to German newspaper Bild, the 19-year-old has attracted the attention of the Bundesliga giants with his performances in Serie A, the Champions League and for Italy. It’s claimed Bayern are placing a bid worth €50m on the table for Zaniolo, aiming to fight off competition from Juventus, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Much will depend on whether Roma qualify for the Champions League, as failure to do so would mean selling several big players.

The original story is behind the Bild+ paywall, but this would certainly be an interesting move for Bayern. Where Zaniolo would fit on the current roster and how he would work into a central midfield rotation as a 10 or an 8. The left-footed Zaniolo can also play as an inverted winger as well, which could bolster his value to Bayern.

Need more information on Zaniolo? Check out the video below:

Pepe destined to leave Lille; big names are in pursuit (@swearimnotpaul)

Lille chairman Gerard Lopez acknowledged to Telefoot that winger Nicolas Pepe will definitely leave the club. Goal’s Ronan Murphy thinks Bayern, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Manchester United are the front runners for Pepe.

Unlucky Stindl injured again (@borussia_en)

Borussia Monchengladbach’s Lars Stindl is a very solid player, but he has no luck. It was a costly win over Hannover 96 yesterday for Die Fohlen.

Leupolz celebrates birthday (@FCBfrauen)

FC Bayern Frauen captain Melanie Leupolz turned 25 today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAPTAIN! ❤️-congratulations On Her Birthday Melanie Leupolz! All Love & Good! #MiaSanMia #FCBayern #FCBFrauen

Der Klassiker did well in the United States (@SoccerInsider)