The last couple of matchdays have been disappointing for Bayern Munich. They suffered defeat against Augsburg two weeks ago and had to share points in Hamburg last weekend. Vincent Kompany’s men will look to put these two results behind them and deliver a convincing win against Hoffenheim on matchday 21 of the Bundesliga.
Courtesy of the last two results, the Bundesliga title race has been revived. Die Roten currently have a lead of six points over Borussia Dortmund. Bayern remain favourites, but it is not going to be as straightforward as they expected.
Hoffenheim will be a stiff test for Die Roten as they are third in the Bundesliga. A win at the Allianz Arena will set their tone for the rest of the season. It will be a riveting clash at Allianz Arena, but Bayern remain heavy favourites.
Team News
For the first time this season, Bayern Munich may have the entire squad available for selection on Sunday. Harry Kane resumed training on Friday after a bout with illness this week. Manuel Neuer missed the training on Friday due to illness, but Vincent Kompany is confident that the German goalkeeper will make it to the squad on Sunday.
Konrad Laimer will also return to the matchday squad after spending the last few weeks due to injury. The Austrian midfielder may have to go straight back in the starting XI since the deputy right-back, Sacha Boey, joined Galatasaray on Thursday.
Predicted Starting XI
Provided Manuel Neuer completes major parts of the training on Saturday, he will be in the goal against Hoffenheim. Kompany sounded very confident about Neuer’s availability in the pre-match press conference on Saturday.
The back four is very easy to pick when Bayern have all defenders fit and raring to go. Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah will play in the heart of defense. Alphonso Davies will start in the left-back position, while Laimer will be back in the action straightaway as he starts on the right side of the defense.
Kompany and Bayern need a convincing win against Hoffenheim to ease the nerves in the squad. The Belgian will go with his preferred midfield pairing of Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic on Sunday.
Kane is expected to lead the attack on matchday 21 as he returned to team training on Friday. Jamal Musiala will play in the number ten role behind Harry Kane. Michael Olise and Luis Diaz will occupy the flanks.
A convincing lead in the first half will allow Vincent Kompany to rotate in the second half and give game time to other players.
Predicted Starting XI: Neuer; Davies, Tah, Upamecano, Laimer; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Diaz, Musiala, Olise; Kane
Score Prediction
Bayern Munich 4-1 Hoffenheim
Considering Bayern’s incredible form at Allianz Arena this season, a convincing win looks likely for the Bavarian club on Sunday afternoon. With defensive woes plaguing Bayern in the last few games, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Hoffenheim get a goal at Allianz Arena.