Bayern Munich vs Hoffenheim. Preview and prediction of the Bundesliga match on 12.01.2024
Bavaria
Bayern Munich will start 2024 in an unusual role of pursuers. Bayer’s sudden rise left Tuchel’s wards 4 points away from first place at the end of 16 rounds. However, the Munich side have a game against Union in reserve, so the deficit in terms of lost points is minimal. There is a month left before the return meeting with the main competitor, and until then there is a comfortable stretch of 5 matches against the middle peasants, 4 of which the “record master” will play at home.
The first champion will have to host Hoffenheim, which generally looks like a comfortable opponent due to a vulnerable defense. Pellegrino Matarazzo’s team could be the next victim of the killer combination of Kane and Sane, who have 42 effective actions in the round before the end of the first round. Thanks to the powerful amount of creativity from Sane, Musiala and Coman, the Englishman can focus on a single goal – goals. Of which there have already been 21 in 15 rounds.
In Saturday’s friendly against Basel (1-1), De Ligt and Coman played for the first time since injuries. Their return is especially important against the backdrop of the absence of Kim (Asian Cup) and Gnabry (injury). Laimer returned just in time to play on the right in place of Mazraoui, who left for the African Cup.
Cologne
There was no getting bored with Hoffenheim in the first part of the season. The Sinsheim team played great in attack, scoring in each of the 16 opening rounds. As always, Kramaric (6 + 1) was at his best, young Bayer (6) scored a lot, plus the experienced Weghorst (4) did not relax. But such statistics of the attacking group are largely explained by the open football that Matarazzo preaches.
Hoffenheim created a lot and allowed a lot. As a result, 30 conceded goals, which is more than two representatives of the relegation zone. Poor Baumann kept his goal shut only once in the season, and that despite the fact that the veteran goalkeeper played every match to one. With this approach, it was difficult to maintain stability: from the 3rd to the 7th round there were 4 wins in 5 matches, but towards the end of the year there was a serious decline (1 win in the last 9 rounds).
Midfield leader Anton Stakh recovered from his illness in time. The return of Stach is especially important due to the absence of other midfield players in the squad – Geiger (injury) and Samassekou (national team). Also, forward Berisha flew out for a long time with damage to the crosses.
Statistics & Facts
- Kane is the first player in history to score 21 goals in his 15 Bundesliga debuts. The previous record was held by Haaland (21 goals in 22 games).
- Sane is the best assister in the Bundesliga with 8 assists.
- Bayern Munich have scored in their last 64 Bundesliga home games.
- Hoffenheim have scored in their last 20 league games, setting a club record.
- Hoffenheim have won just one of their last 15 games at the Allianz Arena.
Indicative line-ups
Bayern: Neuer – Laimer, De Ligt, Upamecano, Davies – Kimmich, Goretzka – Sane, Musiala, Coman – Kane
Hoffenheim: Baumann – Kabak, Brooks, Akpoguma – Kaderabek, Premel, Grillich, Stach, Skov – Weghorst, Kramaric
Bets & Odds
Prediction for Bayern Munich vs Hoffenheim from UA-Football
In 15 of the opening 16 rounds in Hoffenheim’s matches, both Matarazzo’s wards and their opponents have scored. Therefore, Bayern’s lost shootout looks like a realistic outcome. Bet: Bayern to win + both to score with odds of 1.86. For those who are confident in the Munich defence, we suggest betting that Kane will continue to rivet, after the first Christmas vacation in his career, in the same spirit as last year. Alternative bet: Kane to score 2 goals or more at odds of 2.50.
Bundesliga, Matchday 17
Munich, Allianz Arena
Bayern – Hoffenheim 21:30
Broadcast – Megogo
