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Bayern Munich visit Hannover with one eye on Real Madrid

By Kiran Thakare

MUNICH, GERMANY - DECEMBER 02: Thomas Mueller of FC Bayern Muenchen is challenged by Matthias Ostrzolek of Hannover 96 and Waldemar Anton of Hannover 96 during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Hannover 96 at Allianz Arena on December 2, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - DECEMBER 02: Thomas Mueller of FC Bayern Muenchen is challenged by Matthias Ostrzolek of Hannover 96 and Waldemar Anton of Hannover 96 during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Hannover 96 at Allianz Arena on December 2, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images) /
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Bayern Munich travel to Hannover on Bundesliga matchday 31 with one eye on their huge midweek clash against Real Madrid.

The Bavarians play the second game of the week against Hannover after an emphatic victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB Pokal semi-finals. Bayern Munich have already sealed the title, so the game on Saturday is not significant for them. However, it is important they maintain their winning momentum in the final phase of the season.

Bayern have a huge game midweek when they host Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals. They have been in fine form in the Bundesliga despite clinching the title two weeks ago. The Bavarians delivered a convincing 5-1 win last weekend against Borussia Monchengladbach.

On the other hand, Hannover need one more win to consolidate their position away from the relegation zone. They are currently 13th in the Bundesliga, six points above the drop zone. Hannover have struggled lately, as they have only one win in their past five Bundesliga games.

Team News

Bayern Munich suffered a huge blow this week when Arturo Vidal suffered an injury in training. The Chilean midfielder is not going to play again this season. Bayern have numerous good options to replace Vidal but his tenacity will be missed.

Corentin Tolisso will miss this game as well, as he continues to recuperate from a minor injury. Jupp Heynckes is not keen to take any risks with Frenchman. There will be a late fitness test for David Alaba as he recovers from a slight knock. Manuel Neuer trained with his teammates for the first time on Friday since his injury in September. The German is unlikely to feature against Hannover, though. Kingsley Coman continues to remain on the sidelines due to an ankle injury.

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Predicted XI

Heynckes is likely to heavily rotate his side with an eye on the game against Real Madrid. Sven Ulreich was brilliant against Leverkusen and he will continue in goal against Hannover. Niklas Sule and Mats Hummels are likely to form the center-back pairing. Rafinha and Juan Bernat are likely to be deployed in the full-back positions.

Sebastian Rudy will get a chance to play in the holding midfield role, which will provide some much needed rest to Javi Martinez. Thiago Alcantara is likely to partner the German international in center midfield. James Rodriguez will probably be the attacking midfielder in this setup.

Sandro Wagner will get another Bundesliga start as Heynckes would like to rest Robert Lewandowski. Thomas Muller and Franck Ribery will occupy the flanks. Heynckes will be hoping that the attacking players don’t pick up any injuries, as they have few options in that department due to Coman’s injury.

"UlreichRafinha-Sule-Hummels-BernatRudy-ThiagoMuller-Rodriguez-RiberyWagner"

Opposition Focus

Hannover have been pretty good at home this season. They have clinched 7 victories out of 15.  home matches. Bayern Munich little left to play for in the Bundesliga, so it is likely that their intensity will drop in this game. However, it is crucial they maintain momentum going into the game against Real Madrid.

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Hannover will like to take advantage of Bayern’s weakness on set-pieces. Bayern will have to keep an eye on Niclas Fullkrug. The German striker has scored 12 goals in the Bundesliga. Apart from Fullkrug, Martin Harnik and Felix Haux are the players who can hurt Bayern.

Prediction

Hannover 1-4 Bayern Munich