Bayern Munich had a productive midweek as they clinched a hard-fought 2-1 win against PSV Eindhoven in the final group game of the Champions League. With this win, Bayern finished second in the points table.
The record German champions will now turn their attention to getting back to winning ways in the Bundesliga. After last weekend’s shock home defeat against Augsburg, Bayern will look to bounce back when they visit Hamburger SV on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Hamburger SV are enduring a challenging Bundesliga campaign. They are currently three points above the drop zone, sitting in the 14th position. A positive result against Bayern on Saturday can set a positive tone for the rest of their season and help them avoid relegation.
Team News
Bayern do not have any fresh injury concerns from the game against PSV Eindhoven. Konrad Laimer has started training with the ball for the first time since suffering an injury in the first half of January. The game in Hamburg comes too soon for the Austrian midfielder.
Josip Stanisic will also miss the game on Saturday, but he will be returning to action in the coming days.
Predicted Starting XI
Vincent Kompany confirmed on Friday that Manuel Neuer will return to the starting XI against Hamburger SV. The Belgian coach also confirmed that it was pre-planned to start Jonas Urbig in a couple of games during January. After a poor mistake against Augsburg last weekend, Urbig delivered a man-of-the-match performance against PSV Eindhoven.
Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano will continue to start for Bayern in the heart of defense. Tom Bischof looked solid in the right-back position against PSV on Wednesday, so he will get a start in the same role against Hamburger SV. Alphonso Davies will slot in the left-back position.
Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic will be the midfield pairing for the visitors on Saturday. The German midfield duo has been in fine form this season, becoming Kompany’s first-choice midfield pairing.
Michael Olise and Harry Kane will return to the starting XI after getting a rest against PSV. Kane will lead the attack, while Olise will slot on the right flank. Luis Diaz will be deployed on the left side of the attack, while Lennart Karl will play behind Kane. Jamal Musiala scored against PSV, but Die Roten are carefully managing his workload, so two successive starts are unlikely.
Predicted Starting XI: Neuer; Davies, Tah, Upamecano, Bischof; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Diaz, Karl, Olise; Kane
Score Prediction
HSV Hamburger 1- 4 Bayern Munich
After last weekend’s defeat, Bayern will be super motivated to get a win on Saturday. It wouldn’t be a surprise if they come out all guns blazing and blow away Hamburger SV. Die Roten have looked shaky at the back, so the hosts may get a consolation goal.