Bayern Munich-Hoffenheim is a match of the 28th day of the Bundesliga and is played Saturday at 3:30 pm: TV, lineups, predictions.
Some, after the drubbing in Manchester last Tuesday, joked about the recent change on the Bayern Munich bench between Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel. As if to remark that the decision – which came almost like a bolt out of the blue – by the Bavarian club to remove a coach who had not done terribly up to that point was late or even counterproductive.
Fact is that the German champions foundered worryingly in the first leg of the quarterfinals against Haaland and Co. and are unlikely to avoid elimination from the Champions League after losing 3-0 at Etihad Stadium. Now all that remains is to focus their efforts on the Bundesliga, where the fight for the title is more open than ever despite the recent success in the direct clash with Borussia Dortmund. The Gialloneri, second in the standings with 58 points, remain on the heels of Bayern Munich, which still cannot sleep soundly. Tuchel’s men, in fact, have two more points and, compared to other years, are paying the price for too many missteps: in addition to 17 wins, they have also recorded seven draws and as many as three defeats. Not exactly a roster of the steamroller we have come to know for the past 10 years. Since the former Chelsea coach has been at the helm, Bayern has alternated between winning and losing, even being eliminated from the German Cup.
Hoffenheim is off the hook again
That the climate at Bayern is not serene is shown by the fact that the club has ruled out Sadio Mané for disciplinary reasons. The former Liverpool man threw a punch at teammate Sané after the Manchester defeat and will miss the next game.
Kaderabek
In the meantime, the Allianz Arena is the scene for Hoffenheim, a team that is much calmer than a week ago thanks to three consecutive victories against Hertha Berlin, Werder Bremen and Schalke 04. Nine crucial points that allowed Pellegrino Matarazzo’s men to move within striking distance of the relegation zone and finally see the light again. With the switch to a three-man defense, Hoffenheim has regained defensive stability, and the other move that is paying dividends is Kramaric’s move back to midfield, with Baumgartner as a second striker.
The Prediction
Matarazzo, when he was still in charge of Stuttgart, avoided defeat twice in a row at the Allianz Arena. Hoffenheim, on the other hand, has had only one success in its last fourteen away matches in Bavaria. Ultimately, however, the Sinsheim-based club, despite showy improvements in the last period, will have to contend with the Bavarians’ desire for redemption after the Manchester debacle. Bayern’s victory should not be in question but the guests could also score at least one goal.
Bayern Munich-Hoffenheim likely lineups
- BAYERN MONACO (4-2-3-1): Sommer; Pavard, Upamecano, de Ligt, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Coman, Müller, Sane; Gnabry.
- HOFFENHEIM (3-4-1-2): Baumann; Kabak, Brooks, Akpoguma; Kaderabek, Geiger, Becker, Angelino; Kramaric; Bebou, Baumgartner.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 3-1
