Bayern Munich vs Hoffenheim: Three things to watch

Bayern Munich will be looking to avoid a second defeat to Hoffenheim on Saturday. Die Roten was soundly beaten by Hoffenheim on Matchday Two of the 2020/21 Bundesliga season by a final score of 4-1. Since then, a lot has happened to both clubs and they have taken different trajectories in their respective campaigns.

Bayern has been the more consistent side as they sit atop the Bundesliga table with a seven-point lead. They did have a lull spell during December, but the last two victories suggest that they are back to their best. Here are three things to watch for as Bayern look to win this rematch.

Can Bayern stop Hoffenheim’s attack?

Hoffenheim’s attack was unstoppable against Bayern in their first meeting of the season. Andrej Kramaric led the way for the visitors as he scored two goals and got in behind the Bayern backline on multiple occasions. Despite having just 29% of the possession in the match, Hoffenheim were very effective when they had the ball as they were able to register the same amount of shots Bayern produced.

Entering Saturday’s match, Hoffenheim’s attack has reemerged as a real threat after a rough stretch of matches in late December and early January where they lost four of their five Bundesliga fixtures.

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However, their last two fixtures have gone much better with two consecutive 3-0 victories. In both victories, Kramaric scored a brace. For this reason, Bayern will have to be wary of the Croatian striker as he will be a tough player to defend based on the current form he is shown.

This will be a very good test for Bayern’s backline after two consecutive clean sheet results. Kramaric is one of the best strikers the club will face this season.

If they can hold Kramaric scoreless and earn a clean sheet then it’s a good sign things are moving in the right direction defensively.

Lewandowski looks to extend scoring streak

Robert Lewandowski has scored in eight consecutive Bundesliga fixtures. The Polish striker has been in tremendous form and can make it nine matches in a row with a goal against Hoffenheim. He can reach the 25 goal mark with a brace against the visitors on Saturday.

Lewandowski was not in the starting 11 against Hoffenheim in the two clubs first meeting of the campaign and he entered in the second half as a substitute. The star striker should be in the starting lineup for this one and he could deliver a masterclass as Bayern look to avenge their loss in September to Hoffenheim.

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Another opportunity to extend the lead

Second place RB Leipzig are trailing Bayern by seven points entering their match against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday. Leverkusen, who are currently third, offers a stern test for a Leipzig side that could drop more points. For this reason, Bayern will have another opportunity to extend their lead in the Bundesliga with a victory against Hoffenheim. After Bayern’s match ends, the Leipzig and Leverkusen fixture will certainly be a fixture to tune in for to see if Die Roten’s lead will be at double digits for the first time this season.