Hamburg hosts Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich at the Volksparkstadion on Saturday.
The home team is fighting to avoid relegation, while the defending champions aim to recover after their first league loss of the season.
Hamburg vs Bayern Munich – Match preview and team news
- Date: Saturday, 31st January.
- Kick-off: 5:30pm BST.
- Venue: Volksparkstadion, Hamburg.
Hamburg team news
Head coach Merlin Polzin is missing several key attackers, affecting Hamburg’s performance in front of goal. Norwegian winger Alexander Rossing‑Lelesiit is likely out for the season due to injury. Forward Yussuf Poulsen is also sidelined with another injury, along with Aboubaka Soumahoro, Damian Downstairs, and Fabio Balde.
Polzin has admitted the team must improve its attacking threat and stated that the club is working with scouting and medical teams to address this. With limited options on the flanks, the onus is on Fábio Vieira and Rayan Philippe to create chances.
Bayern Munich team news
Konrad Laimer is expected to be out for some time after injuring his calf during a match against FC Köln.
On a positive note, key players are returning from injuries. Jamal Musiala made a successful return by scoring in Bayern’s recent 2-1 Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven. He expressed his eagerness to keep improving.
Bayern also reported that defenders Raphaël Guerreiro and Josip Stanišić are back in training and may be available for Saturday’s match.
Form
Hamburg
Since their promotion, Hamburg has struggled in the Bundesliga, going five matches without a win. They have drawn two of their last three games and managed to keep two consecutive clean sheets for the second time this season.
The last Bundesliga victory for Hamburg came on December 7 against Werder Bremen, with a score of 3-2. Currently, they sit in 14th place with 18 points.
Bayern Munich
Bayern faced an unexpected 2-1 loss at home to FC Augsburg, ending a 27-match unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga. However, they rebounded in the Champions League with a 2-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven, securing second place in their group and advancing to the knockout stage. Bayern holds an eight-point lead in the Bundesliga over Borussia Dortmund.
The team has been strong away from home, collecting 25 out of 27 points in nine matches this season, matching a club record. Remarkably, they have scored two or more goals in their last 13 away Bundesliga matches, a first in the league’s history.
Predicted lineups
Hamburg: Fernandes; Capaldo, Vuskovic, Torunarigha; Jatta, Lokonga, Remberg, Muheim; Vieira, Konigsdorffer, Philippe
Bayern Munich: Neuer; Bischof, Upamecano, Kim, Ito; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Musiala, Diaz; Kane
How to watch Hamburg vs Bayern Munich
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Football in the United Kingdom.
Read Also – Howe makes Isak transfer admission ahead of Liverpool clash
See More – Thomas Frank reveals Spurs tried to sign £64m winger
Add Footem.in As your Preferred Source on Google
Follow the latest on Footem WhatsApp Channel
