Bayern Munich vs Hoffenheim
German Bundesliga
Friday
12th January 2024
Allianz Arena
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the German Bundesliga fixture between Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim.
Bayern Munich vs Hoffenheim: Preview
Bayern Munich form analysis
FC Bayern Munich had shown strong early season form but have been inconsistent over their past five Bundesliga matches. On 11th November, they earned a 4-2 home win over Heidenheim thanks to a Kane brace and goals from Guerreiro and Choupo-Moting, despite twice letting their lead slip. Kane was on target again on 25th November to grab a narrow 0-1 away win at FC Köln. However, Bayern’s form dipped alarmingly on 9th December as they were thrashed 1-5 at Eintracht Frankfurt, with Kimmich’s strike a mere consolation after leaking three first half goals.
They returned to winning ways on 18th December by beating Stuttgart 3-0 at home through another Kane brace and Kim Min-Jae’s strike. Most recently on 21st December, Bayern earned a vital 1-2 away win at Wolfsburg courtesy of goals from Musiala and Kane, either side of Arnold pulling one back for the hosts. Overall, Bayern have shown they carry a significant attacking threat but concerning defensive frailties have emerged recently, having conceded at least twice in 3 of their past 5 games. Fixing these issues will be crucial to stabilizing their form.
Hoffenheim form analysis
Hoffenheim have shown inconsistent form over their past five Bundesliga matches. On 26th November they were held at home by Mainz in a 1-1 draw, recovering through Skov after going behind to Richter’s opener. Things got worse on 2nd December with a 1-2 away defeat at Borussia M’gladbach despite Weghorst’s equalizer, as Pléa and Ngoumou scored either side. However, Hoffenheim returned to winning ways on 9th December by beating Bochum 3-1 at home, benefiting from an own goal before Kramarić and Bebou sealed the result despite a late consolation.
Their positive momentum stalled on 16th December in a 1-3 home loss to RB Leipzig as Kabak’s leveler only delayed the inevitable after Leipzig scored through Klostermann, Forsberg and Simakan. Most recently, Hoffenheim drew a thrilling 3-3 home game with Darmstadt on 20th December, with Kramarić’s penalty and a Bebou brace temporary giving them the lead three times before being pegged back by Pfeiffer and two goals from Skarke. Overall, Hoffenheim must address defensive issues that have seen them concede at least twice in 4 of their past 5 games if they want to turn draws into wins.
