Bayern Munich v Hoffenheim - Preview and possible lineups

Elliot Turnbull 5 years ago 1.5k |

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Bayern Munich are in fine form after winning the German Super Cup. AFC

We take a look ahead to Friday's Bundesliga curtain-raiser between current Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich and Julian Nagelsmann's Hoffenheim.

Bayern Munich: The 28-time Bundesliga champions will be without central midfielder Arturo Vidal (to Barcelona) and Brazilian winger Douglas Costa (to Juventus), having parted company with both parties this summer. Niko Kovac may be without former-Hoffenheim forward Serge Gnabry due to a thigh strain suffered in training on Wednesday. Bar Gnabry Kovac has a clean bill of health for his squad - with captain Manuel Neuer returning after a significant spell on the sidelines last season.

Hoffenheim: New signings Bittencourt (from Cologne) and Grifo (from Borussia Monchengladbach) are set to make their debuts for the club. Potential absences in the form of midfielders Amiri (fatigue), Demirbay (ankle ligament), Geiger (thigh), and Rupp (knee ligaments) and defender Hubner (concussion) will give coach Nagelsmann some headaches.This will be Nagelsmann's final season in charge at Hoffenheim, before taking the reins at Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig.

Bayern Munich boss Niko Kovac:

"Tomorrow is D-Day - I'm convinced that my team will have a great day, technically and tactically.

"All around me there are superstars, including those who have to sit in the stands.

"I'll tell the players tomorrow whether they are in or out.

"Hoffenheim are in great shape, but if we close down their space, then we will win."

Hoffenheim boss Julian Nagelsmann:

"We have trained well for the game, however we must play with courage.

"We must put pressue on Bayern Munich and not be overly defensive - if we do this we have a chance."

Did you know?

Bayern Munich won 5-2 at home to Hoffenheim when the two teams last met in January - Hoffenheim were unbeaten in three matches against Bayern before that (W2 D1).

Bayern have scored 3 goals or more in each of the last three opening days.

Bayern Munich won 14 of their 17 matches at the Allianz Arena last season, with 10 of these wins having over 3.5 total goals scored (59%).

Hoffenheim have won two out of the previous three meetings between the clubs.

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