Topped by a record-breaking Bayer Leverkusen side at Christmas, Bayern Munich will be looking to hit their imperious groove as the Bundesliga returns on Friday night.
Bayern host European hopefuls Hoffenheim in what will be the club’s first game since German football icon Franz Beckenbauer passed away.
Thomas Tuchel will thus be intent on claiming three points at a mourning Allianz Arena to close the gap on Leverkusen to a point before they travel to Augsburg on Saturday.
Tuchel’s side have gotten somewhat healthier on the injury front at the start of the new year but will be without a crucial member of their backline for the next month or so.
Here’s how Bayern could line up against Hoffenheim on Friday night.
GK: Manuel Neuer – Club captain Neuer enters another year as Bayern’s stalwart between the sticks.
RB: Konrad Laimer – The Austria international has been an injury concern with a minor knee injury but he’s since returned to full training and should be fit to start at right-back on Friday.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt – He may soon be competing with Eric Dier for a starting berth with Kim Min-jae away on international duty at the Asian Cup.
CB: Dayot Upamecano – Tuchel’s going to need the very best version of Upamecano over the next few weeks in Kim’s absence.
LB: Alphonso Davies – Recent transfer talk regarding a potential move to Real Madrid means it wouldn’t be a surprise if Tuchel opts for Raphael Guerreiro at left-back. Davies, however, is an integral cog in this Bayern side.
CM: Joshua Kimmich – The midfielder didn’t enjoy the best of Hinrunde’s, so he’ll be looking to kick-start his 2024 with a controlled showing on Friday.
CM: Leon Goretzka – Goretzka’s running power will be key against a Hoffenheim side that excel in transition.
RM: Kingsley Coman – Coman has been prominent for Die Roten this season, notching six Bundesliga goal contributions. Serge Gnabry’s absence means the Frenchman is a shoo-in.
AM: Jamal Musiala – Bayern’s Bambi is injury-free and ready to play a leading role in the club’s quest for a 12th consecutive league title.
LM: Leroy Sane – Having recorded 16 Bundesliga goal contributions before Christmas, Sane is poised to enjoy his most productive season since leaving Manchester City.
ST: Harry Kane – Potentially soon to be joined in Bavaria by a former Tottenham teammate, Kane must be in a great mood. Germany’s winter break means it’s been a while since the striker found the back of the net.
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