Bayern Munich seemed to be running away with yet another Bundesliga title, but their faltering form has left the door for others slightly ajar ahead of the game against TSG Hoffenheim this weekend. Having dropped points in three of their last four games, including a couple of losses and a draw in their most recent outing against Hamburg, there are some questions to be answered.
The two losses against FC Koln and FC Augsburg, with a big win over RB Leipzig, are squeezed between those results. Having had a massive points gap between them and their closest rivals, the Bavarians only carry a six-point advantage over second-placed Borussia Dortmund.
Vincent Kompany will aim to correct the wrongs from those recent results to register a win and put some lingering questions to bed. Hence, as they host third-placed Hoffenheim at the Allianz Arena, the Belgian coach will demand nothing less than a stellar victory and maintain Bayern Munich’s six-point advantage at the very least.
Christian Ilzer has helped his side garner a reputation of being one of the more exciting teams to watch in Germany this season. Hoffenheim have scored three goals in 9 of their last 14 Bundesliga games.
Sitting in third, Hoffenheim will sense an opportunity to further disrupt this Bayern Munich side and probably even dream of closing the points gap to six after Sunday. Hoffenheim are currently unbeaten in seven Bundesliga games, as Ilzer will be targeting a third consecutive win away from home as they enter the Allianz Arena.
There are some concerns with the squad for Vincent Kompany to deal with, as goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has an illness that puts him in the doubtful category. The expectation is for the veteran to play, but if not, then back-up Jonas Urbig will deputise between the sticks.
Konrad Laimer continues to deal with a calf issue that could see him sit out once more, while Josip Stanisic could deputise for the Austrian at right-back. Fellow full-back Sacha Boey is also out after being ill for a considerable period. Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamcano will feature in central defence, with Alphonso Davies at left-back.
Aleksandar Pavlovic should partner Joshua Kimmich in the midfield setup, while Jamal Musiala is best placed to feature in the advanced role. Michael Olise and Luis Diaz will play on either side of the front three, with Harry Kane, who was a bit of a doubt for this one, leading the line for Bayern Munich against Hoffenheim this weekend..
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Stanisic, Tah, Upamecano, Davies; Pavlovic, Kimmich; Olise, Musiala, Diaz; Kane
Christian Ilzer may have to make do without a few of his key stars, including Wouter Berger, who will miss out with a suspension owing to the red card he received against Werder Bremen. Cole Campbell is a doubt but could feature in the squad as he has been training with the team since this week.
Attacker Adam Hlozek will stay out of contention with the calf problem, with his return not expected for the next month or so. Koki Machida is also out with an injury, meaning Ilzer may have to make the necessary changes to his squad.
Berger’s absence could lead to the manager using Leon Avdullahu and Grischa Promel in the central midfield berths, while Bazoumana Toure and Alexander Prass will provide width in what could be a 4-4-2 shape. Andrej Kramaric could lead the line for Hoffenheim against Bayern Munich alongside Fisnik Asllani in a front two for the visitors.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Baumann; Coufal, Hranac, Hajdari, Bernardo; Toure, Promel, Avdullahu, Prass; Asllani, Kramaric
Kane continues to be the main source of goals for Bayern Munich, and ahead of this home clash with Hoffenheim, the England captain will hope to notch his 10th goal in ten games. The English striker has risen to new levels this season, as he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Keeping him fresh and on the scoresheet will be paramount for Kompany, as he is probably Bayern’s best answer to answer some tough questions being asked over their form. For Hoffenheim, the priority defensive duty will be to stop the Bayern talisman, or else he can push them severely if given the slightest bit of a chance.
TSG Hoffenheim are probably the team in a good vein of form compared to Bayern Munich, but they may find it difficult to get three points here. With Christian Ilzer’s men often prioritising their attacking intent, it could give the Bavarian giants plenty of opportunities to go at their defenders.
When it comes to attacking the ball, there are hardly any teams better than Bayern Munich in world football, let alone the Bundesliga. The Bavarians are playing this clash at home, which adds to their advantage, as Vincent Kompany’s men are expected to breeze past Hoffenheim and take all three points in the process.
