Hoffenheim vs. Bayern Munich preview: Champions look to extend perfect start in Sinsheim | OneFootball

Hoffenheim

Christian Ilzer’s men have impressed in the early weeks, most recently beating Union Berlin 4-2 in a lively encounter that saw them create six big chances and convert two penalties.

Scoring goals has not been an issue, with Hoffenheim netting at least twice in eight of their last ten competitive games.

Defensively, however, frailties remain. Ilzer's men have conceded two or more goals in eight of their last eleven outings, and their home form has been a particular concern.

They have failed to win 13 of their last 14 matches at the PreZero Arena, losing seven and drawing six.

Saturday provides a chance to change that narrative against the champions, though Hoffenheim will need to tighten up significantly at the back.

Team News

Hoffenheim are without defenders Koki Machida and Valentin Gendrey, while Adam Hlozek also misses out. Robin Hranac and Albian Hajdari are expected to partner in central defence, with Vladimir Coufal and Bernardo deployed as full-backs. Up front, Tim Lemperle should lead the line, supported by Andrej Kramaric.

Predicted lineup - 4-2-3-1: Baumann - Coufal, Hajdari, Hranac, Bernardo - Avdullahu. Burger - Kramaric, Toure - Asllani, Lemperle

Bayern Munich

Bayern continued their relentless form last week, swatting aside Hamburg before securing a 3-1 Champions League victory over Chelsea in midweek.

Kompany’s side have scored 22 goals in just six games this season, while showing growing solidity at the back.

The Bavarians crushed Hoffenheim 9-0 across two league meetings last season, though before that had only managed one win in three against Saturday’s hosts.

Bayern are unbeaten in 13 competitive matches (excluding the Club World Cup) and will be heavy favourites once again.

Team News

Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito are both sidelined, with Konrad Laimer likely to deputise at left-back.

Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah should partner in central defence. Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka are set to anchor midfield, while Harry Kane will lead the line supported by Serge Gnabry, Michael Olise, and Luis Díaz - the Colombian having scored in each of his first three league outings this term.

Predicted lineup - 4-2-3-1: Neuer - Boey, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer - Kimmich, Goretzka - Olise, Bischof, Diaz - Kane