PREVIEW | Hamburger SV vs Bayern Munich: The Bavarians look to bounce back | OneFootball

For the first time this season, Bayern Munich are seeking to bounce back from defeat in the Bundesliga. Vincent Kompany’s side did overcome PSV 1-2 in midweek to conclude a successful Champions League group phase, however, it’s back to the day job in Germany. Hamburger SV understands the challenge in front of them. Following a goalless draw against neighbours St. Pauli last weekend, HSV remain four points from the automatic drop zone. In between now and the end of the season, they’ll need to pick up points against stronger teams. 

Hamburger SV

Despite drawing their last two Bundesliga fixtures, HSV are yet to pick up three points since December 7th in a dramatic 3-2 win against fellow-strugglers Werder Bremen. 

If HSV are to avoid relegation this season, it’s going to be their home record which saves them. So far, they are yet to register an away win all season, having collected 15 of their 18 points at the Volksparkstadion. 

One of the positives for HSV is that FC Augsburg last week proved that they are beatable, the blueprint is there. If they can keep Bayern at bay for as long as possible, Merlin Polzin’s side have a puncher’s chance of denying the odds, and get something from this game. 

Bayern Munich

Bayern fans must be as terrified as Arsenal fans right now following their loss last weekend – shockingly Bayern are now only 8 points clear of Borussia Dortmund! (insert sarcasm here) 

Whilst Kompany will want to treat this like any other game, you can’t help but feel Bayern have a point to prove; not to mention Kompany is returning to the former ground and club in which he once represented.

Despite the loss last weekend, Bayern’s away record in the Bundesliga is still mighty impressive. In fact, the last time they didn’t take something from an away game was against Mainz 05 in December 2024. To ease any fears Bayern fans might have even further, the club are unbeaten in 20 competitive fixtures against HSV. Earlier in the campaign, Bayern ran out 5-0 winners including a Harry Kane brace. 

Unsurprisingly, one player to watch out for this weekend is Michael Olise. Last weekend, the winger registered his 14th assist in the Bundesliga this campaign – no one in Europe’s top five league can match that stat. 

Should Olise get one more against HSV on Saturday, he’ll equal his assist tally for the entirety of last season. Only Thomas Müller has recorded more assists after 19 matchdays in the Bundesliga with 16. 

Of course, we can’t go without mentioning that Jamal Musiala scored his first goal since his return from injury during the 1-2 victory against PSV in midweek. It’ll be interesting to see how much playing time the attacking midfielder gets on Saturday. 

Teams News

Hamburger SV

HSV are dealing with a few absentees ahead of the arrival of Bayern. Jean-Luc Dompé was suspended by the club this week due to disciplinary reasons. Norwegian winger Alexander Røssing-Lelesiit (19) is also out for a long-stretch, which is another massive blow to the club’s survival hopes. Elsewhere, recent signing Damion Downs is also out until the end of February with a calf injury. 

Bayern Munich

For Bayern, there are no new injury concerns. Raphaël Guerreiro (calf injury), Konrad Laimer (torn muscle fiber), and Josip Stanisic (capsular injury) all remain absent. 

GGFN | Jamie Allen