Bayern Munich look to get back on track against Hannover on Saturday

Bayern Munich will be aiming to bounce back from last week’s loss when they host Hannover at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.

Bayern Munich have been in fine form under Jupp Heynckes in the past two months. Their nine game unbeaten run, however, came to an end when they lost against Borussia Monchengladbach last Saturday. The Bavarians have a chance to get back to winning ways on Saturday, hosting Hannover at the Allianz Arena on the Bundesliga’s 14th matchday.

Bayern’s lead at the top was reduced to three points after last week’s results across the Bundesliga. The Bavarians will want to gain some momentum back against Hannover as a tougher test awaits them in the Champions League midweek.

Hannover have been performing brilliantly after being promoted to the Bundesliga this year. They sit at 10^th position in the league after a few mixed results in their past several games. A positive result at the Allianz Arena will do wonders for Hannover in their bid to stay in Germany’s top flight.

Team News

Bayern Munich have been going through an injury crisis recently. Robert Lewandowski recently blamed former manager Carlo Ancelotti’s training methods for these injuries. However, the Bavarians will welcome back Thomas Muller for the game against Hannover. Jupp Heynckes even suggested the raumdeuter will start tomorrow’s match.

There will be a late fitness test for David Alaba, but Juan Bernat will miss this game due to a muscular problem. Rafinha is also fit to be part of the matchday squad, but Arjen Robben will miss out as he still needs time to complete his recovery. The German manager will also make a late decision on Franck Ribery as the Frenchman has completed his recovery after an extended absence.

James Rodriguez also returned to training after recovering from the concussion he suffered against Gladbach. Thiago Alcantara and Manuel Neuer are the only long term absentees for the German Champions.

Predicted XI

Sven Ulreich finally conceded goals in Bundesliga play last weekend after a long spell of clean sheets. The German will continue to keep his place in the starting eleven. Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba will start in the full-back positions, as the Austrian is more likely to feature with Bernat out. Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels will form the center-back partnership in the heart of defense.

Javi Martinez is likely to continue in the defensive midfield role. The Spaniard lately suggested that the midfield is the most comfortable position for him. Arturo Vidal will play alongside Martinez in the midfield while Thomas Muller is likely to be the central attacking midfielder.

On the flanks, Heynckes is unlikely to start Ribery straightaway. James Rodriguez will probably play on the right flank while Kingsley Coman will feature on the other side. Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the German Champions.

"UlreichKimmich-Boateng-Hummels-AlabaMartinez-VidalJames-Muller-ComanLewandowski"

Opposition Focus

Hannover has been a surprise package this season in the Bundesliga. However, their form has been on the downside in the last five games in the league. They are likely to be compact on Saturday and try to punish Bayern on the counter.

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Hannover boast a very good attack as their goals have been very well distributed among all forwards. Martin Harnik and Jonathan have been the key players for the visiting side in the final third. Harnik has scored five goals in the Bundesliga while Jonathan has been creating the most chances for his team. The Bavarians will have to be incisive in the final third to get past the Hannover defense.

Prediction

Bayern Munich 3-1 Hannover