Bundesliga | Gameweek 17

Jan 15, 2025 at 7.30pm UK

Allianz Arena

Bayern vs Hoffenheim

Match preview

Bayern were unfortunate not to score more goals last time out, considering they created eight good chances, had over four xG and attempted 23 shots.

The win was the first time the leaders have kept a clean sheet in their last seven games and the eighth time they have kept their opponents at bay in 16 Bundesliga matches.

Boss Vincent Kompany was delighted with his players' performances, hailing them for their showing in the club's first game of 2025 when he told reporters: "It's a very tough away game and the first game after the break. When you create as many chances as we did today, you want to score one, two or three more goals and decide the game. But we didn't.

"What I liked was the energy and mentality. We had many players out, but nobody complained. We fought and stayed calm until the end."

Their record of 48 goals scored and 13 conceded is the best in the top flight, while their goal difference of 35 is 18 better than second-placed Bayer Leverkusen.

Kompany's side have been in excellent form domestically, winning 12, drawing three and losing just one of their 16 Bundesliga matches, although they have lost two of their last six games in all competitions.

It should be noted that Bayern have won 13 of their last 16 home games, and their only defeat at the Allianz Arena in that period was to Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal on 3 December, a game in which they were reduced to 10 men in the 17th minute.

Hoffenheim created just one real chance against Wolfsburg, and although they had 15 shots on target, eight of those came after the 74th minute.

Fans will be justifiably concerned that results have yet to improve under new coach Christian Ilzer, who was appointed in November following the sacking of former boss Pellegrino Matarazzo earlier that month.

Ilzer's first game in charge was a 4-3 win over RB Leipzig on 23 November, but his side have since lost five and drawn three, with defeats in their last three matches.

The Kraichgauer have failed to score in five of their last eight matches and their poor form in front of goal has left them just one point above 16th-placed Heidenheim, who occupy the relegation play-off spot.

The visitors overcame Wurzburger Kickers on penalties in their first DFB-Pokal away game of the season on 16 August, but have since gone 11 away games without a win, losing six of them.

Recent Performance

Bayern Munich Bundesliga form:WDWLWW

Bayern Munich form (all competitions):LWWLWW

Hoffenheim Bundesliga form:WLDDLL

Hoffenheim form (all competitions):LDDDLL

Team News

Bayern will be without defenders Hiroki Ito, Josip Stanisic, Tarek Buchmann and Sacha Boey, as well as goalkeeper Daniel Peretz.

Kompany is likely to name a similar back line to the one that started against Borussia Monchengladbach in front of Manuel Neuer, although Dayot Upamecano could come in for Eric Dier.

Joao Palhinha is close to returning but is still sidelined with a groin injury, which could see Joshua Kimmich join Leon Goretzka in a double pivot.

Hoffenheim's injury list has thinned out in recent weeks, but they will still be without centre-backs Christopher Lenz and Ozan Kabak, so expect Arthur Chaves and Stanley N'Soki to start at the back.

Midfielders Grischa Promel and Umut Tohumcu will be left out of Wednesday's XI, meaning Anton Stach is likely to start alongside Diadie Samassekou.

Strikers Ihlas Bebou and Marius Bulter have also been ruled out, meaning that Tom Bischof, Adam Hlozek and Andrej Kramaric could be called upon to support striker Gift Orban.

Possible starting lineup

Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:

Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Musiala, Sane; Kane

Hoffenheim possible starting lineup:

Baumann; Gendrey, Chaves, Nsoki, Prass; Stach, Samassekou; Bischof, Hlozek, Kramaric; Orban