Jupp Heynckes’ side will take on Hoffenheim in their next league fixture at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, March 10. The Bavarian giants will be hoping to make a strong comeback this week to maintain some pressure on Borussia Dortmund at the top.
The last time these two sides met at the Rhein Neckar Arena in October last year, the match ended with a 0-0 score-line.
Bayern Munich
The Munich based outfit has been in disappointing form since the start of the second-half of the season and have lost their lead at the top of the table. The former champions have won only four of the last nine games played in all competitions and are in danger of missing out on the title for the second time around.
The home side is currently seven points behind reigning German champions Borussia Dortmund at 48 points from the 24 games played this far.
Hoffenheim
The visitors have been impressive since the arrival of new manager Markus Babbel as they are unbeaten in their last five games in the Bundesliga. Their last defeat was at the hands of Dortmund in January but the five games include only one win and four draws.
Hoffenheim drew against FC Koln in the Bundesliga last weekend and were denied all three points as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lukas-Podolski-c22896 scored a late equaliser for the visiting side.
Team News
Bayern Munich will welcome the return of midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger for the match. The German international suffered an ankle injury and will be available after a one-month injury lay-off. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Daniel-Van-Buyten-c10095 is still out with a long-term injury whereas Rafinha is still doubtful to play due to flu for Jupp Heynckes’ side.
The visitors will be without right-back http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sejad-Salihovic-c32849 is suspended by the manager for disciplinary issues.
Players to watch
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Bastian-Schweinsteiger-c7374 was Bayern’s best player in the first-half of the campaign and the midfielder’s absence has been one of the major reasons for the club’s dip in form over the last few months. The player will be looking to make an instant impact for his side as he returns from an ankle injury.
Jannik Vestergaard has been one of the most impressive players for Hoffenheim this season. The defender has been a rock in the heart of defence and although still 19, he is still capable of putting in a performance that could change the match on its head. The player will be looking to make his mark in the game to probe that he can perform against the top sides also.
Prediction
It has been a rollercoaster ride for Bayern Munich in the second period and they have been way below par in their displays. The club is seven points behind Dortmund and Jupp Heynckes’ knows that any result other than a win would be a disappointment.
Although the Bavarians have been unpredictable off-late, their home form has remained impressive. Their display against Schalke in the Bundesliga at Allianz Arena last month proved that Allianz Arena is still a fortress.
The home side’s record against Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga is another positive as they have never lost to them in Bundesliga. The hosts are expected to win the game with a 3-0 margin.
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