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TSG Hoffenheim enters this weekend’s clash still looking to shake off the struggles of last season, when coaching instability and squad turnover left the club battling relegation. They finished 15th in the Bundesliga, surviving by just three points above the drop zone. Determined to start fresh, Hoffenheim showed promise early in the new campaign, collecting two wins in their first three matches.
Their victories came against Bayer Leverkusen (2–1 away) and Union Berlin (4–2 away), while the only setback was a 3–1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt. Despite that improvement, Hoffenheim now face their toughest test yet: defending champions Bayern Munich.
Bayern Back on Top
After briefly losing their crown to Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern reclaimed the Bundesliga title last May and look intent on extending their dominance under new manager Vincent Kompany. The Bavarians opened the season by winning the German Super Cup 2–1 against Stuttgart before cruising through their first three league fixtures.
So far, Bayern have overwhelmed RB Leipzig (6–0), edged Augsburg (3–2), and dismantled Hamburg 5–0 last weekend. These results leave them atop the Bundesliga table heading into next week’s Champions League opener against Chelsea.
Team News and Key Players
Hoffenheim will be without several important names. Defenders Valentin Gendrey, Ozan Kabak, and Hayao Machida, along with striker Adam Hlozek, remain sidelined. Youngster Hajdari is also a doubt after picking up a knock last weekend. On the positive side, newcomers Tim Lemperle (two goals, one assist) and Armando Asllani (three goals, one assist) have made strong starts and could trouble Bayern’s backline.
Bayern, meanwhile, also face absences. Alphonso Davies, Hiroki Ito, and playmaker Jamal Musiala are still unavailable. Portuguese midfielder Rafael Guerreiro is unlikely to feature after sustaining an injury against Hamburg. Despite these setbacks, Bayern’s attacking firepower remains formidable. Harry Kane already has five goals in three Bundesliga outings, while Luis Díaz (three goals, two assists), Serge Gnabry (two goals, two assists), and Michael Olise (three goals, one assist) have also impressed early in the season.
Probable Lineups
Hoffenheim: Baumann – Coufal, Chaves, Hranac, Bernardo – Kramaric, Tohumcu, Avdullahu, Touré – Lemperle, Asllani
Bayern Munich: Neuer – Mazraoui, De Ligt, Upamecano, Kim – Kimmich, Goretzka – Olise, Müller, Díaz – Kane
Prediction
Hoffenheim’s home form has been poor in recent months, with only two wins in their last 14 league matches and four defeats in their most recent six at home. Bayern, by contrast, have taken eight victories from their last 13 Bundesliga fixtures and continue to look sharp in attack.
With Kane leading the line and Bayern’s supporting cast in strong form, the champions should have too much quality for Hoffenheim.
Prediction: Hoffenheim 1 – 3 Bayern Munich
