Bayern Munich vs Hoffenheim – News and Probable Lineups

Bayern Munich faces a crucial moment in their pursuit of the Bundesliga title, as dropping points against Hoffenheim at Allianz Arena on Sunday could be detrimental.

Currently top of the league with 51 points, Bayern was held to a 2-2 draw by newly-promoted Hamburg SV on January 31. This result narrowed their advantage over second-placed Borussia Dortmund to six points, while Hoffenheim, sitting in third place with 42 points, earned a 3-1 victory against Union Berlin last Saturday.

Match overview

The hosts encountered five significant opportunities during their encounter with Hamburg, and over the last three Bundesliga matches, they have faced a total of 13 big chances—equal to the 13 they faced in the preceding 10 league fixtures.

In their last three matches, Bayern has conceded five goals, whereas they had only given up five goals in their previous six games.

The Bavarians deserve recognition for maintaining their strong scoring form against Hamburg, managing to net at least two goals for the 12th time in 13 competitions.

Vincent Kompany is well aware of the significance of securing a win on Sunday, especially as his team is set to head to Signal Iduna Park to face Borussia Dortmund at the end of February.

Despite being winless in their last two league matches—one draw and one loss—Bayern previously triumphed in seven out of their last eight Bundesliga fixtures.

Fans at Allianz Arena witnessed 12 victories and one draw in the club’s first 13 home clashes, but they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Augsburg on January 24.

Hoffenheim was perhaps fortunate to concede only once against Union, as their opponents wasted several chances in critical areas inside the box.

The visitors have established themselves as one of the most entertaining sides in the league this season, scoring at least three goals in nine out of their last 14 Bundesliga games.

Head coach Christian Ilzer will be eager to make amends for his team’s 4-1 defeat against Bayern in September 2025, even though the hosts have secured victories in their last three meetings against Hoffenheim.

Hoffenheim remains unbeaten in their last seven top-flight encounters, winning six times and conceding just four goals. They have also won their last five fixtures in the league.

A win for Die Kraichgauer would mark their third straight win away from home, while a defeat would only be their second in 11 away Bundesliga matches this season.

Team News

There are uncertainties regarding the availability of Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who is ill, and if he is unable to play, Jonas Urbig is expected to take over in goal.

Due to a calf issue, Konrad Laimer’s absence means that Josip Stanisic might be called upon to fill in on the right side of the defense, while Aleksandar Pavlovic is likely to partner Joshua Kimmich in the midfield.

Harry Kane is aiming to net his ninth goal in 10 appearances, though he may require support from playmakers like Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala.

Midfielder Wouter Burger of Hoffenheim is suspended after receiving a red card on January 27 against Werder Bremen, so it’s possible that Leon Avdullahu and Grischa Promel will continue their partnership in the middle of the park.

Attacker Adam Hlozek is expected to return from a calf injury this month, but he will not be ready for Sunday, meaning Bazoumana Toure, Alexander Prass, and Andrej Kramaric are likely to assist Fisnik Asllani in the forward line.

Bayern Munich probable starting XI:

Urbig; Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Davies; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Musiala, Diaz; Kane

Hoffenheim probable starting XI:

Baumann; Coufal, Hranac, Hajdari, Bernardo; Toure, Avdullahu, Promel, Prass; Kramaric, Asllani