First against eleventh. League leaders FC Bayern entertain TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at the Allianz Arena on Bundesliga matchday 19 (live text and web radio commentary from 3:30pm CET on fcbayern.com). Even though the positions in the table might not suggest it, the record champions face a real encounter on equal terms: Both teams have won four of the last nine Bundesliga between the two clubs – fcbayern.com has put together everything you need to know about this clash.
FC Bayern chalked up their third win in succession with last weekend's 4-0 victory over Schalke – Joshua Kimmich played a big part in the result with three assists.
The situation for FC Bayern
Flick and his players have not forgotten the previous meeting with TSG. The 4-1 defeat in Sinsheim was FCB's only loss in an otherwise perfect 2020. "Hoffenheim played very well in our game earlier in the season and they caught us at the point where we were a bit tired," explained the Bayern coach. But he believes the position is different ahead of this game and Bayern can round off a successful week of fixtures. "After three wins in succession, we also want to win against Hoffenheim," declared Flick in the knowledge that his team could extend the gap to second place to ten points – RB Leipzig play third-placed Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday evening.
Here are the most important statements from Hansi Flick's press conference ahead of the clash with TSG:
The opponents: TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
Following two wins on the bounce, Hoffenheim have established a cushion to the relegation zone and are now safely mid-table. "The points are good for us, of course. Now it's about stabilising our situation," explained TSG coach Sebastian Hoeneß. His team had to compensate for a large number of injuries in the first half of the season but now the defence in particular is looking more solid. After the Europa League participants were unable to keep a clean sheet in the first 15 games, they have now achieved that three times in succession. "Basically, we are on the right track," said Hoeneß.
For former Bayern Reserves coach Sebastian Hoeneß, the return to Munich is something special as he explained in an interview with fcbayern.com:
Team news
As Flick confirmed, goalkeeper Alexander Nübel suffered an ankle ligament injury and "will probably be sidelined for three to four weeks." In addition, Leon Goretzka and Javi Martinez are ruled out after testing positive for COVID-19. For Corentin Tolisso, who missed out at Schalke due to a muscle problem, Saturday’s game comes too soon and the same applies to Tanguy Nianzou, who is currently in rehab training.
The injury situation at Hoffenheim has continued to ease. According to Hoeneß, they are still without the "injured Benjamin Hübner and Kevin Akpoguma.” Ryan Sessegnon is "still battling with muscular problems" and is "not an option for the weekend." Konstantinos Stafylidis and Dennis Geiger are also still "not an option for this game." The TSG coach added there is also a "question mark over Kevin Vogt, Florian Grillitsch and Robert Skov.”
Leon Goretzka and Javi Martínez are ruled out of the game against Hoffenheim:
What the coaches say
Hansi Flick: "We’re well prepared. Hoffenheim played very well in our game earlier in the season and they caught us at the point where we were a bit tired. That's in the past. This is a different game, a home match. After three wins in succession, we also want to win against Hoffenheim."
Sebastian Hoeneß (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim): "Bayern are back at the top of the table and they have a clear lead of seven points – although they haven't always been as dominant as before. Of course, we've watched the recent FCB games and seen that there are again and again chances for the opposition to turn the game around. We'll try and concentrate on that to create those situations. In Munich you also need the ability to suffer to overcome certain phases. It will be the same this time."
If you want to know more ahead of the meeting at the Allianz Arena, check out our facts and stats on the home game against Hoffenheim:
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