Hoffenheim to complete rare unbeaten Bayern brace
Bayern Munich go into Saturday's Bundesliga match at home to Hoffenheim seven points clear at the top of the table over nearest challengers RB Leipzig, but it would be untrue to suggest everything has gone the champions' way this campaign. Their defence is uncharacteristically leaky, and there's now always the sniff of a chance for their less vaunted opponents. Die Kraichgauer have managed three clean sheets in quick succession, and whilst that run will doubtlessly be tested to its utmost limits against the perennial champions and league leaders, they're certainly in with a shout of coming away from the Allianz Arena with something to show for their efforts. Read our preview here:
The Kingsley of Kingsleys
Whilst most of the attention and praise in attacking areas is reserved for elite striker Robert Lewandowski, he is far from the only forward-thinking player having a superb campaign. Thomas Müller has delineated creative and finishing duties completely, and currently has nine goals and nine assists; Leroy Sané has been similarly productive in a season hit by injury; however, arguably most impressive of all has been wideman Kingsley Coman. The 24 year old versatile French international hasn't been an automatic starter in Hans-Dieter Flick's XI, but has grabbed every opportunity that's come his way with aplomb. Possessing all the attributes a head coach would want in a contemporary winger, he contributes in more phases of play than is typically associated with that position and role, and with the towering figure of Lewandowski to aim for in the area, many of his crosses find their mark. Yet to hit his peak, he ought to be a mainstay for years to come, and his skillset ensures he can adapt to several different shapes and strategies in the future.
Kram it!
It's been a topsy-turvy year for Hoffenheim in the league; a flying start quickly segued into a winless run that stretched into December, and the recent string of clean sheets are actually their first shut-outs. They have 'picked' exactly the right time to stem the tide, and in Sebastian Hoeneß, they have a manager who has first-hand knowledge of the setup at Bayern, having been in charge of the U19s and then the reserves (II) up until last summer. Against his former employers, Hoffenheim have two 'outs': firstly, they're one of the most well-drilled sides with regard to set pieces in both boxes, left-sided Ghanaian centre-back Kasim Adams chief amongst them. Secondly, he lets his players express themselves more than most (for better or worse), so there's always the chance for the unexpected to happen that will bamboozle an opposing defender or backline. Strike Andrej Kramarić has been in superb form this season, crashing in 12 goals in just 14 Bundesliga games, as well as helping his side breeze through their Europa League group to the knockout stages that start in February. As effective a passer as he is a finisher, he'll give Bayern's faltering backline an almighty headache.
Witness the Hoeneß
As ever, the potential is more than there for Bayern to swat Hoffenheim aside, but as they found out to their huge cost back in September, the opposite is certainly true - the away side on Saturday ran out deserved 4-1 winners against a near-full strength FC Hollywood. Hoeneß, nephew of former Munich president Uli, is still ironing out the kinks in his first term as manager of a senior club, but he has certainly applied himself to the task. bet365 are offering odds of 8.00 for the Sinsheim outfit to grab a draw, and in doing so, deny the hosts five points from their two encounters.
