Bayern Munich Host Hamburg In Bundesliga
Bayern Munich host Hamburg on Saturday as they look to get back to winning ways in Bundesliga.
The Bavarians sit at the top of the league with a lead of five points over RB Leipzig who also play at the same time against FC Koln. Carlo Ancelotti’s men have endured a shaky run in the keague lately as they narrowly escaped a defeat against Hertha Berlin last weekend.
On the other hand visitors have enjoyed a good run of form lately. They still stay in the relgation zone with just two points ahead of 17th position. However they have been unbeaten in the past four games which include an emphatic 3-0 win away from home against RB Leipzig. Bayern face a stern test against Hamburg as they continue the fight to stay up in Bundesliga.
Team News-
Bayern Munich will be boosted with the return of Franck Ribery for this game. The French forward has been out for three weeks due to a thigh injury. Ancelotti insisted in his press conference that Ribery will be on the bench against Hamburg.
The player who will miss this game for sure is Jerome Boateng. He has resumed outdoor sessions but still not yet completely fit to train with first team. Apart from him, Xabi Alonso is also doubtful for the game with a slight knock.
Predicted XI-
Ancelotti will likely choose his first choice eleven as there was no game in midweek. The back five selects itself as Manuel Neuer will start in the goal. Javi Martinez and Mats Hummels will resume the centreback partnership with Philip Lahm as the rightback. David Alaba is likely to play the left back as he featured as a centreback against Hertha Berlin.
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The Italian will potentially make one change in midfield as Joshua Kimmich replaces Xabi Alonso.Thiago Alcantara and Arturo Vidal will complete the midfield three. Thomas Muller will miss out a place in the front three as Douglas Costa and Arjen Robben occupy the flanks with the frontline led by Robert Lewandowski.
Neuer- Alaba,Hummels,Martinez,Lahm- Alonso,Thiago,Vidal- Costa,Lewandowski,Robben
Opposition Focus-
Bayern have not been clinical in front of goal but they will get numerous chances against Hamburg. The away side have conceded a lot of goals due to their shaky defence. However, Hamburg can punish on counter as they did against RB Leipzig.
The Bavarians have been shipping cheap goals in their net. Hamburg’s quick players can make them pay for their mistakes as they have been clinical under their new manager. Michael Gregoritsch and Bobby Shou Wood can cause problems for the slow Bayern centrebacks.
Prediction-
Bayern Munich 2-1 Hamburg