Bayern Munich look to extend winning streak against Hertha Berlin

BERLIN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 01: Kingsley Coman of FC Bayern Muenchen is challenged by Vladimir Darida of Hertha BSC during the Bundesliga match between Hertha BSC and FC Bayern Muenchen at Olympiastadion on October 1, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 01: Kingsley Coman of FC Bayern Muenchen is challenged by Vladimir Darida of Hertha BSC during the Bundesliga match between Hertha BSC and FC Bayern Muenchen at Olympiastadion on October 1, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images) /
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Bayern Munich look to extend their winning streak and build upon their big lead in the Bundesglia when they face Hertha Berlin at home on Saturday.

After an impressive performance against Besiktas in the Champions League on Tuesday, Bayern Munich switch their attention to the Bundesliga. The Bavarians host Hertha Berlin on Saturday and look to add to their 19-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.

Bayern Munich have been in fine form in the past couple of months. They have grinded out results even when they didn’t deserve them, but have also put in several impressive displays when needed. Bayern were ruthless against Besiktas earlier this week, a good sign for the club as they enter the final phase of the season.

On the other hand, Hertha Berlin are experiencing a mixed season. They sit 11th in the Bundesliga table, seven points above the relegation zone. Earlier this season, Hertha Berlin shocked Bayern Munich when they came back from a two goal deficit to clinch a point, showing they must not be taken lightly.

Team News

Bayern will be without some key players for the game against Hertha Berlin. Jerome Boateng is set to miss this game due to illnes, while James Rodriguez is sidelined due to a minor injury he suffered against Besiktas.

Joshua Kimmich will have to undergo a late fitness test as he is enduring a calf problem as well. Manuel Neuer still remains on the sidelines, as his return date is still unknown. The German goalkeeper has not yet joined the rest of his squad in training.

Predicted XI

Jupp Heynckes is likely to rotate his starting XI as he fielded a strong team on Tuesday. Sven Ulreich will retain his place in goal. Mats Hummels and Niklas Sule will form the partnership in the heart of the defense, and Rafinha and Juan Bernat are likely to play the roles of right and left-back.

Javi Martinez is likely to play in the holding midfield role again despite featuring against Besiktas. Thiago Alcantara and Coretin Tolisso will probably round out the midfield. The former will be looking to complete a full 90 minutes on Saturday, after only playing around 60 in his comeback last weekend.

Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are likely to be recalled to the starting line-up against Hertha Berlin. The veteran duo started on the bench against Besiktas. Robert Lewandowski wil lead the line for the Bavarians on Saturday.

"UlreichRafinha-Sule-Hummels-BernatThiago-Martinez-TolissoRobben-Lewandowski-Ribery"

Opposition Focus

Hertha Berlin are currently enduring a poor run of form. They have won only one of their past five Bundesliga games. However, they have recently picked up two draws against Borussia Dortmund and Hoffenheim. They will be hoping to do something similar against Bayern Munich.

Salomon Kalou and Vedad Ibisevic have been the key forwards for Hertha Berlin this season. The Ivory Coast international is the top scorer for his team in the Bundesliga with nine goals. Bayern will have to be wary of the threat posed by Hertha Berlin on set-pieces as well. The Bavarians need to back Tuesday’s win with another solid outing on Saturday to continue their good form.

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Prediction

Bayern Munich 3-0 Hertha Berlin