7M - Preview: Bayern Munich vs. Hoffenheim

Bayern Munich will host Hoffenheim at Allianz Arena on Sunday, eager to avoid dropping crucial points in their pursuit of the Bundesliga title. Currently sitting in first place with 51 points, Bayern is coming off a 2-2 draw against newly-promoted Hamburger SV on January 31, which narrowed their lead over second-placed Borussia Dortmund to six points. Hoffenheim, on the other hand, is third with 42 points after a convincing 3-1 victory over Union Berlin last Saturday.

Match Preview

Bayern faced five significant chances in their clash against Hamburg and have now allowed 13 big chances in their last three Bundesliga matches—matching the total they conceded in the previous ten league games. The Bavarians have conceded five goals in these last three fixtures, a stark contrast to having only allowed five goals in their prior six matches.

Despite this defensive vulnerability, Bayern maintained their impressive scoring record, finding the net at least twice for the 12th time in 13 matches across all competitions. Head coach Vincent Kompany understands the importance of a win, particularly with a looming encounter against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park later this month.

While Bayern is winless in their last two league matches—one draw and one loss—they had previously won seven of their last eight Bundesliga outings. The home crowd at Allianz Arena has witnessed an impressive 12 wins and one draw in the club's first 13 matches at home, though they did suffer a surprise 2-1 defeat to Augsburg on January 24.

Hoffenheim may consider themselves fortunate to only concede once against Union, as their opponents missed several clear opportunities. The visitors have been one of the league's most entertaining teams this season, scoring at least three goals in nine of their last 14 Bundesliga matches. Coach Christian Ilzer aims to avenge his side's 4-1 loss to Bayern back in September 2025, though Bayern has claimed victory in their last three encounters.

Hoffenheim is currently unbeaten in seven league matches, winning six and conceding just four goals. They are also on a five-match winning streak in the division. A victory on Sunday would mark their third consecutive away win, while a loss would be just their second in 11 Bundesliga away games this season.

Possible Lineups:

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

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

Prediction: Bayern Munich 2-2 Hoffenheim

Given both teams' recent goal-scoring form, a high-scoring encounter seems likely. While Bayern's quality may prevent them from losing, Hoffenheim's impressive performances suggest they could easily secure a point in this match.