Hertha BSC vs. Bayern Munich preview: Bavarians aiming for top spot
With Union Berlin playing on Sunday, Bayern Munich will have the chance to move to the top of the Bundesliga table when they travel to the capital to face Hertha BSC on Saturday.
| Photo: Steffen Prößdorf, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
Hertha BSC
After winning only one of their last seven games, Hertha will have their work cut out to take anything from a tough home meeting with the German champions.
After claiming their first home win of the season against Schalke, Sandro Schwarz's side had the chance to record consecutive victories last weekend, but they ultimately fell to a narrow 1-0 away defeat to Werder Bremen.
As they turn their attention to Saturday's contest, Hertha will look to take inspiration from the fact that they have lost only one of their six home games. The hosts are currently unbeaten in their last four home matches, suggesting that they are tough team to beat at the Olympiastadion.
However, Hertha will be well aware that after losing their last five Bundesliga games against Bayern, they will have to be at their very to extend their unbeaten home run.
The first goal will also be crucial as Hertha have avoided defeat in all four of the Bundesliga games in which they scored the opening goal.
Team News
Hertha will be without the services of Márton Dárdai, Stevan Jovetic, Jessic Ngankam and Kelian Nsona due to injury issues, while there are also doubts over the availability of Linus Gechter and Wilfried Kanga.
Bayern Munich
Bayern look to have found their best form after winning their last seven games in all competitions, while they have only dropped two points in their previous five Bundesliga matches.
In their most recent league game, the Bavarians cruised to a comfortable 6-2 win over Mainz. Goals from Serge Gnabry, Jamal Musiala and Sadio Mané gave Bayern a 3-1 lead at half time, before Leon Goretzka, Mathys Tel and Eric Maxim Choupa-Moting all got on the scoresheet in the second period to wrap up a superb victory.
Another win followed in midweek when Bayern rounded off the Champions League group stage with a 2-0 victory over Inter Milan. Julian Nagelsmann's side will now turn their attention to the three Bundesliga games that will take place before the World Cup break.
Despite being in fine form, Bayern have won only one of their last four away matches in the Bundesliga. Although, they have won all of their last three away league games against Hertha, including a 4-1 victory at the Olympiastadion last season.
Team News
Nagelsmann has indicated that Manuel Neuer is set to return to the side, while Leroy Sané and Lucas Hernandez will only be fit enough for places on the bench. The Bayern boss also confirmed that Thomas Müller and Matthijs de Ligt will miss out due to injury issues.