Bayern Munich vs Hoffenheim: Bundesliga Matchday 17 Preview

Hoffenheim

Hoffenheim manager Pellegrino Matarazzo has done a great job steering his side to 7th place so far this season and just missing out on a European spot by goal differential. An away victory in Munich would certainly do wonders for Matarazzo's side and their quest for European competition in 2024, and having not been shutout away from home since April, they will certainly pose a threat to the Bavarians.

In goal, expect Oliver Baumann to start behind a back three. On the right side of the three, look for Ozan Kabak to get the start. Centrally John Brooks should start in the middle of the three. With Kevin Vogt leaving the club this week, Kevin Akpoguma to start on the left of the back three.

The right wing back should be Pavel Kaderabek and I expect Robert Skov to start opposite him as the left wing back. Centrally, German national teamer Anton Stach and Grischa Promel will be tasked with slowing down Jamal Musiala. In front of the two defensive midfielders, look for Andrej Kramaric to start and aid the attack.

The strike partnership of Marius Bulter and Ihlas Bebou will look to keep Hoffenheim's streak of scoring away in tact when the team plays in Munich.

Hoffenheim Predicted Starting XI

Baumann
Kabak-Brooks-Akpoguma
Kaderabek-Stach-Promel-Skov
Kramaric
Bulter-Bebou

Score Prediction

Bayern Munich 3-1 Hoffenheim (Harry Kane x2; Jamal Musiala)

Bayern Munich will continue their chase of Leverkusen with a convincing victory to start 2024. The absence of Kim Min-jae will be felt as Upamecano and de Ligt will take some time to get used to each other again. Kane will continue his good run of form, but I expect Hoffenheim to get a consolation goal at Allianz Arena.