HOFFENHEIM will look to secure a European finish as they host Bayern Munich in their final Bundesliga fixture on Saturday. Both teams have been unconvincing at the back and given their quality in attack, goals could be expected here.
Hoffenheim are currently in the final European spot and will be looking to fend off Freiburg, who are just one point behind. They picked up a 6-0 victory at Darmstadt in their previous Bundesliga fixture with Maximillian Beier and Ihlas Bebou each netting a brace.
Manager Pellegrino Matarazzo will be pleased with the result as it highlights the depth of Hoffenheim’s attacking quality. It was also their best defensive showing this season as that was their first clean sheet since September.
It has been a disappointing campaign for Bayern Munich, who are set to end the season without a single piece of silverware. Saturday’s clash is also Thomas Tuchel’s final fixture in charge and the manager will be keen to end things on a high.
Like Hoffenheim, Bayern Munich were victorious last time out in the Bundesliga as they triumphed 2-0 over Wolfsburg. The Bavarians have also struggled defensively as that was their first clean sheet in the last five matches across all competitions.
How the bookies view it: Bavarians ranked overwhelming favourites
Bayern Munich have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 4/5 by bet365 to claim the victory. Hoffenheim are considered outsiders with a home win priced at 12/5 while a draw is set at odds of 15/4.
Recent head to head: Bavarians always on top
Bayern Munich are unbeaten in the last six matches against Hoffenheim, claiming four wins in that run. The Bavarians secured a 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture back in January.
Players to watch: Beier to shine against Bavarians
Maximillian Beier is the leading scorer for Hoffenheim with his brace at Darmstadt taking his tally to 15 Bundesliga goals this season. The forward is priced at 6/4 by bet365 to maintain his scoring run.
With Harry Kane still out injured, Thomas Muller should continue as the central attacker. Given Hoffenheim’s defensive problems, the veteran forward could be worth keeping an eye on at 2/1 by bet365.
Probable line-ups
Given the nature of Hoffenheim’s victory last time out, they are likely to stick with a similar squad for Saturday’s clash. Maximillian Beier and Ihlas Bebou should retain their place in attack.
Bayern Munich have plenty of Injury problems with the likes of Harry Kane, Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry and Kim Min-Jae all likely to miss Saturday’s clash. Matthijs de Ligt and Eric Dier could be in line to start having been on the bench last time out against Wolfsburg.
Hoffenheim: Baumann, Kabak, Grillitsch, Akpoguma, Kaderabek, Promel, Stach, Butler, Kramaric, Bebou, Beier
Bayern Munich: Neuer, Kimmich, De Ligt, Dier, Davies, Pavlovic Goretzka, Tel, Zaragoza, Muller, Choupo-Moting
Anything else catch the eye? Goals galore in open contest
Hoffenheim have seen over 4.5 goals in three of their last four matches and a repeat is priced at 13/10 by bet365. There have also been second half goals for both teams in two of their last three home matches and a similar pattern is priced at evens with bet365.
Hoffenheim scored in both halves last time out and could be set for a repeat at 7/4 with bet365.
This German Bundesliga match between Hoffenheim and Bayern Munich will be played on May 18, 2024 and kick off at 14:30. Check below for our tipsters best Hoffenheim vs Bayern Munich prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
