Bayern Munich travel to Hoffenheim for the second Bundesliga game in a space of four days.
The Bavarians maintained a lead of 13 points at the top of Bundesliga after a 6-0 win over Augsburg on Saturday. Bayern Munich will be hoping to keep the momentum as they have numerous important games in April.
Bayern were held for a 1-1 draw when this two sides met at Allianz Arena in November. The German giants will face a stern test on Tuesday as Hoffenheim have been unbeaten at home this season. Hoffenheim are enjoying a brilliant campaign as they are in good position to finish in top four in the league.
Team News-
The Italian admitted that there will be rotation for this game with an eye on weekend’s important game against Borussia Dortmund. Bayern will be without Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller and Douglas Costa as they continue to recover from minor injuries.
.@MrAncelotti: "@esmuellert_ is out of tomorrow's game. He needs 2 days' rest. He'll be fit again for @BVB and @realmadriden." #TSGFCB pic.twitter.com/TZIVrePj69
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) April 3, 2017
Javi Martinez and Xabi Alonso will return to the squad after serving the one match suspension due to accumulation of cards. Ancelotti also admitted that Thiago Alcantara will also be rested as he has featured a lot for Bayern in past few months.
Predicted XI-
The Bavarians will be able to field a considerably strong eleven despite the injuries and squad rotation. Sven Ulreich will keep his place in the starting eleven as Neuer continues to recover from the injury. David Alaba and Rafinha will most likely occupy the full back position while Javi Martinez will partner Mats Hummels in the heart of defence. Jerome Boateng has just recovered from injury and Ancelotti will most likely not risk him by playing two games in four days.
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Xabi Alonso will form the midfield three with Renato Sanches and Arturo Vidal. The Portuguese midfielder needs gametime and this could be an ideal game to get minutes under his belt. Robert Lewandowski will lead the line as Arjen Robben and Kingsley Coman will play on the flanks.
Ulreich; Alaba,Hummels,Martinez,Rafinha; Alonso,Vidal,Sanches; Coman,Lewandowski,Robben
Opposition focus-
Ancelotti admitted in his pre-game press conference that it will be an intense game against Hoffenheim. The home side have been one of the revelations of this year under their young manager Julian Nagelsmann. They sit ahead of Borussia Dortmund in the table right now.
.@MrAncelotti: "@achtzehn99_en are a good side. I expect a high-intensity game." #TSGFCB pic.twitter.com/QHE9SNwx3M
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) April 3, 2017
This game will show how Bayern can cope without Thiago as he has been the main creative source for the team this year. Hoffenheim have a strong defence which also consists of future Bayern Munich player Niklas Sule. They have leaked very few goals at home and the Bavarians will have to be patient when they are in possession.
The home side will be threathening on counter. Hoffenheim play three defenders which allows the wingbacks to bomb ahead when they are on a counter. Moreover the likes of Sandro Wagner and Andrej Kramaric have been prolific in front of goal for Hoffenheim. Bayern have improved defensively in past month and they will have to maintain the similar concentration levels while defending.
Prediction-
Hoffenheim 1-2 Bayern Munich