Bayern Munich are set to kick off their first top-flight game of 2024 on Friday night as they face Hoffenheim at the Allianz Arena.
Match Preview
The reigning champions are aiming to close the gap to league leaders Bayer Leverkusen, who are currently one point ahead in the Bundesliga standings.
Thomas Tuchel’s side recently played a friendly match against Basel, which ended in a 1-1 draw. This match served as a preparation for their return to competitive football. On the other hand, Hoffenheim suffered a 1-0 defeat against Augsburg in an exhibition match.
After Borussia Dortmund’s strong challenge last year, Bayern’s dominance in German football is under threat.
The current Bundesliga title race is now Leverkusen’s to lose, with Xabi Alonso’s team looking to deny Bayern their 12th consecutive top-flight crown.
With Leverkusen not playing until Saturday, Bayern have an opportunity to put pressure on their unexpected title rivals by securing a third successive Bundesliga win.
They ended 2023 with victories over Stuttgart and Wolfsburg and now look to maintain their winning streak.
During the winter break, Bayern engaged in a friendly match against Swiss giants Basel on January 6. Despite falling behind to Juan Gauto’s goal, 18-year-old midfielder Noel Aseko leveled the score from the bench.
However, the focus for Bayern this weekend goes beyond on-field endeavors as they mourn the loss of club legend Franz Beckenbauer.
A memorial service for Beckenbauer, who passed away at 78, is scheduled at the Allianz Arena on January 19.
Before that, Bayern and Hoffenheim fans will stand together to remember the iconic player and manager, who achieved the rare feat of winning the World Cup as both a player and coach. The Allianz Arena will be specially illuminated in his honor.
While paying their respects to Beckenbauer, Hoffenheim still have a job to do on the field as they aim for a fresh start in 2024.
They won just one of their last eight competitive fixtures in 2023, following a strong start to the season where they triumphed in six of their opening nine Bundesliga matches.
Hoffenheim’s early success sees them currently in seventh place in the table, competing for a spot in European competitions.
However, recent performances have not been up to par, including a thrilling 3-3 draw against SV Darmstadt 98 where Hoffenheim squandered a lead three times.
To secure a place in the top five, Hoffenheim must rectify their mistakes from the friendly match against Augsburg, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat.
Additionally, their away form has dipped after winning their first five away games of the season. They have now gone three matches without a win on the road, including a surprising 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich nine months ago.
Team news:
Bayern will be without defensive duo Noussair Mazraoui and Kim Min-jae, who are representing their respective countries in international tournaments.
Serge Gnabry, Bouna Sarr, Gabriel Marusic, Daniel Peretz, and Tarek Buchmann are also unavailable due to injuries.
However, Matthijs de Ligt has recovered from an illness, while Konrad Laimer is expected to be fit despite a knee concern.
Hoffenheim will miss Diadie Samassekou, who is on international duty with Mali. However, midfielder Dennis Geiger has returned to training after a groin problem.
Bambase Conte remains injured, and Marco John and Mergim Berisha are unlikely to play again this season.
Possible Starting 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 previous goal-scoring prowess may not be enough against Tuchel’s well-drilled team. While the loss of Beckenbauer will undoubtedly impact Bayern emotionally, their focus on the game should secure them another win.