Bayern Munich are set to kick off their first top-flight recreation of 2024 on Friday evening as they face Hoffenheim on the Allianz Enviornment.
Match Preview
The reigning champions are aiming to shut the hole to league leaders Bayer Leverkusen, who’re at the moment one level forward within the Bundesliga standings.
Thomas Tuchel’s facet not too long ago performed a pleasant match in opposition to Basel, which led to a 1-1 draw. This match served as a preparation for his or her return to aggressive soccer. However, Hoffenheim suffered a 1-0 defeat in opposition to Augsburg in an exhibition match.
After Borussia Dortmund’s sturdy problem final yr, Bayern’s dominance in German soccer is beneath menace.
The present Bundesliga title race is now Leverkusen’s to lose, with Xabi Alonso’s crew seeking to deny Bayern their twelfth consecutive top-flight crown.
With Leverkusen not taking part in till Saturday, Bayern have a possibility to place strain on their sudden title rivals by securing a 3rd successive Bundesliga win.
They ended 2023 with victories over Stuttgart and Wolfsburg and now look to take care of their profitable streak.
In the course of the winter break, Bayern engaged in a pleasant match in opposition to Swiss giants Basel on January 6. Regardless of falling behind to Juan Gauto’s purpose, 18-year-old midfielder Noel Aseko leveled the rating from the bench.
Nevertheless, the main target for Bayern this weekend goes past on-field endeavors as they mourn the lack of membership legend Franz Beckenbauer.
A memorial service for Beckenbauer, who handed away at 78, is scheduled on the Allianz Enviornment on January 19.
Earlier than that, Bayern and Hoffenheim followers will stand collectively to recollect the long-lasting participant and supervisor, who achieved the uncommon feat of profitable the World Cup as each a participant and coach. The Allianz Enviornment will likely be specifically illuminated in his honor.
Whereas paying their respects to Beckenbauer, Hoffenheim nonetheless have a job to do on the sector as they goal for a recent begin in 2024.
They gained simply considered one of their final eight aggressive fixtures in 2023, following a robust begin to the season the place they triumphed in six of their opening 9 Bundesliga matches.
Hoffenheim’s early success sees them at the moment in seventh place within the desk, competing for a spot in European competitions.
Nevertheless, latest performances haven’t been as much as par, together with an exhilarating 3-3 draw in opposition to SV Darmstadt 98 the place Hoffenheim squandered a lead 3 times.
To safe a spot within the high 5, Hoffenheim should rectify their errors from the pleasant match in opposition to Augsburg, the place they suffered a 1-0 defeat.
Moreover, their away type has dipped after profitable their first 5 away video games of the season. They’ve now gone three matches with out a win on the highway, together with a shocking 1-1 draw in opposition to Bayern Munich 9 months in the past.
Crew information:
Bayern will likely be with out defensive duo Noussair Mazraoui and Kim Min-jae, who’re representing their respective nations in worldwide tournaments.
Serge Gnabry, Bouna Sarr, Gabriel Marusic, Daniel Peretz, and Tarek Buchmann are additionally unavailable because of accidents.
Nevertheless, Matthijs de Ligt has recovered from an sickness, whereas Konrad Laimer is predicted to be match regardless of a knee concern.
Hoffenheim will miss Diadie Samassekou, who’s on worldwide obligation with Mali. Nevertheless, midfielder Dennis Geiger has returned to coaching after a groin drawback.
Bambase Conte stays injured, and Marco John and Mergim Berisha are unlikely to play once more this season.
Potential Beginning Lineups:
Bayern Munich: (4-2-3-1)
Neuer;
Laimer, Upamecano, De Ligt, Davies;
Kimmich, Goretzka;
Sane, Musiala, Coman;
Kane
Hoffenheim: (3-1-4-2)
Baumann;
Vogt, Brooks, Kabak;
Stach;
Kaderabek, Promel, Grillitsch, Skov;
Bebou, Kramaric
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-1 Hoffenheim
Hoffenheim’s earlier goal-scoring prowess will not be sufficient in opposition to Tuchel’s well-drilled crew. Whereas the lack of Beckenbauer will undoubtedly impression Bayern emotionally, their concentrate on the sport ought to safe them one other win.