European Strikers Set to End Goal Droughts This Weekend: Beier & Dallinga Analysis

Two of Europe’s promising strikers, Maximilian Beier and Thijs Dallinga, have yet to hit their stride this season. Despite impressive campaigns in 2023/24, both have faced a scoring drought that may soon end. The upcoming weekend offers an ideal opportunity for these forwards to reignite their goal-scoring form as they face defensive lines that have shown cracks. Here’s why each striker has the potential to get back on the scoresheet.

Maximilian Beier: Ready to Exploit RB Leipzig’s Defensive Vulnerabilities

Since joining Borussia Dortmund, Maximilian Beier has struggled to match his 16-goal season with Hoffenheim. With limited starts and a total of three shots on goal this season, Beier’s performance has not yet reached last season’s level, where he averaged nearly three shots per game and had a 0.45 expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes.

This weekend, Dortmund faces RB Leipzig, the Bundesliga’s top defensive team with only three goals conceded. While Leipzig’s defence appears formidable, they’ve been overperforming against their expected goals against (xGA) by a striking +8.80. This could present an opportunity for Beier to find the net if Leipzig’s defensive luck wanes. The historical head-to-head between these sides also favours goal action, with an average of 3.5 goals per game. If Dortmund can penetrate Leipzig’s backline, Beier is well-positioned to end his goal drought.

Thijs Dallinga: Set to Shine Against Lecce’s Fragile Defence

Thijs Dallinga, a standout for Toulouse last season with 19 goals across competitions, has found the transition to Serie A more challenging with Bologna. After over 300 minutes in the league and Champions League without scoring or assisting, Dallinga has yet to settle. Still, his past form and ability to rebound from slow starts make him a prime candidate to score soon.

This weekend’s matchup against Lecce could be just what Dallinga needs. Lecce’s defence ranks among Serie A’s weakest, with the second-highest expected goals against (18.49) and only two clean sheets in ten games. Their keeper, Wladimiro Falcone, is one of the busiest in the league, already forced into 32 saves. Bologna’s own challenges in finishing chances—ranked 12th in Serie A for shots but inefficient in converting—further underscore the need for a clinical finisher like Dallinga to step up.

Backing Beier and Dallinga for a Breakthrough

With statistical and contextual support, both Maximilian Beier and Thijs Dallinga offer excellent potential for breaking their goal droughts this weekend. Beier’s intelligent positioning could take advantage of Leipzig’s statistical overperformance, while Dallinga’s track record and the vulnerability of Lecce’s defence point to a promising matchup. Bettors looking for value may find backing these two strikers a compelling proposition.

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

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