Big Game Focus: Bayern Munich v Hoffenheim

 

Bayern Munich host Hoffenheim tonight in the DFB Pokal hoping to continue their defence of the cup. The hosts will be encouraged by their impressive run of form in recent weeks. Can Hoffenheim upset the giants? Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here. 

Bayern Munich went top of the Bundesliga table last weekend after an impressive start to 2020. With their defence of the league title back on track, the German giants are shifting focus to the DFB Pokal which they won last season. They host Hoffenheim in the Round of 16 but will keep in mind that this is the same team that beat them at the Allianz Arena in October. However, their run of form makes them favourites to progress.

Hoffenheim came from behind to beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 at home on Saturday in the league and make it two straight wins as they moved up to seventh in the Bundesliga table. They have already been to the Allianz Arena once this season and registered their first-ever win there, therefore they should be raring to go. Can they upset the Bavarians?

Betting preview

No team has ever won two matches away at Bayern in the same season since the Munich club were promoted to the Bundesliga in 1965. Bayern has beaten Hoffenheim in three of their last five meetings. Bayern have won ten of their last 13 home games this season. Three of the last five meetings between these two have seen Over 3.5 Goals. Bayern’s last three games have seen four or more goals. You can back a Bayern Munich Win and Over 3.5 Goals at odds of 1.60. 

Both teams have scored in the last four matches between these two sides. Both teams have scored in eight of Hoffenheim’s last ten competitive games. Both teams have scored in six of Bayern Munich’s last nine competitive games. Therefore, you can back Both Teams to Score in this game at odds of 1.75. 

Robert Lewandowski has scored ten goals in 19 appearances against Hoffenheim. The Polish striker has scored a staggering 37 goals in 34 appearances. For that reason, you can back Robert Lewandowski as Anytime Goalscorer at odds of 1.22. 

Team news

Niklas Sule, Javi Martinez, Ivan Perisic and Kingsley Coman are out for the hosts through injury.

Hoffenheim’s star man Sargis Adamyan, who scored two goals against Bayern earlier this season, is a doubt. Ishak Belfodil, Dennis Geiger as well as first-choice ‘keeper Oliver Baumann will also miss out due to injury.

Possible line-ups

Bayern Munich: Neuer, Odriozola, Pavard, Alaba, Davies, Kimmich, Tolisso, Gnabry, Coutinho, Müller, Lewandowski

Hoffenheim: Pentke, Posch, Akpoguma, Hübner, Kaderabek, Rudy, Grillitsch, Skov,  Bruun Larsen, Kramaric, Dabbur