Bayern Munich should get back to winning ways against Hannover

After playing out a thrilling draw against Ajax, Bayern Munich travel to Hannover for their 15th match of the Bundesliga season.

Things are looking up for Niko Kovac at Bayern Munich, even though his team’s performances still have the same deficiencies that have been visible throughout the season. Bayern clinched the top spot in their Champions League group on Wednesday, but it was another timid performance from Bayern’s defense. Kovac will be hoping that his side delivers a more complete performance against Hannover on Saturday.

The Bavarians are slowly getting things back on track in the Bundesliga. The defending champions have won their last three league games, the most recent of which was an emphatic 3-0 win over Nurnberg. Die Roten have climbed the league table and now sit third in the German top flight. Borussia Dortmund still has a cushion of nine points over their rivals, though.

The return to the Bundesliga has not been kind for Hannover, meanwhile. They are currently 17th in the league, and it seems all too likely they will be relegated once again this season. They desperately need points against their fellow rivals in the relegation battle, and a positive result against Bayern would do a world of good to their shattered confidence.

Team News

Arjen Robben has missed the last three games due to a thigh problem. Niko Kovac confirmed in the pre-match conference that the Dutchman is not going to play again this year. There are, however, no other new injury problems for the defending champions.

James Rodriguez is yet to start training on the pitch. The Colombian is still working indoors and should be back in action after the winter break. Corentin Tolisso is the long-term absentee for the Bavarians. The Frenchman has been doing light training in the gym, but he still has a long way to go in his rehabilitation process.

Predicted XI

Kovac has stuck with the same starting XI for four consecutive games. This game comes quickly after playing on Wednesday, so I expect him to make a couple of changes. Manuel Neuer will keep his place in goal while Jerome Boateng and Niklas Sule will form the core of the back four. Joshua Kimmich will move back into the back four at right-back, and David Alaba will slot in the left-back position.

The first change in the starting lineup is likely to be in the center of the park. Thiago Alcantara should get his first start after returning from injury two weeks ago. The Spaniard is likely to play the holding midfield role as Kovac has been using him there throughout this season. Leon Goretzka will partner him in midfield.

Kovac will also likely make a change in the attack, as Franck Ribery cannot play twice in a week right now. Kingsley Coman should come in for his fellow countryman and occupy the left side of the attack. Serge Gnabry has been in fine form and so deservedly getting a long run in the starting XI. Thomas Muller will occupy the number ten position, while Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the away side.

"NeuerKimmich-Sule-Boateng-AlabaThiago-GoretzkaGnabry-Muller-ComanLewandowski"

Opposition Focus

It will take a humungous effort from Hannover to get a positive result against Bayern Munich. However, they will be pretty hopeful of getting one considering Bayern’s results against Fortuna Dusseldorf and Augsburg this season. The home side will have to find a way to sustain Bayern’s attack and be 100 percent efficient while going forward.

Hannover should try to deliver as many crosses from the flanks as possible, as there has been a lot of uncertainty and a lack of communication in Bayern’s defense this season. Bobby Wood and Hendrik Weydandt are the top scorers for Hannover in the Bundesliga, and they are expected to be the key attacking players for the home side — along with Niclas Fullkrug.

Next. Bayern Munich must improve says Robert Lewandowski. dark

Prediction

Hannover 0-4 Bayern Munich

Bayern is slowly improving their form in the Bundesliga. They were pretty convincing against Nurnberg, and I expect them to do well against Hannover. A clean sheet will also be welcomed as there are no signs of respite for Bayern’s defense.