Overview
Bayern Munich has officially won the Bundesliga in the 2024-2025 season 3 rounds early. This is a season in which the "Gray Tigers" played convincingly with the strongest attack in the league, scoring 95 goals in just 33 matches. They also have the best defense, conceding only 32.
Despite many limitations in playing style, coach Vincent Kompany's team has reclaimed the No. 1 position in Germany from Bayer Leverkusen.
For Bayern Munich, the trip to Hoffenheim is just a Bundesliga procedure. However, that does not mean they can take this match lightly. The "Gray Tigers" will want to prove the strength of Germany's No. 1 team, aiming for a convincing victory to close out this year's season.
As for Hoffenheim, they will almost avoid being directly relegated. But in theory, they are still in the danger zone, 3 points ahead of 16th-placed Heidenheim. Although there is a clear goal difference, any development is possible in the final round. Hoffenheim are still at risk of participating in the up and down playoff.
Therefore, Hoffenheim's goal is to win at least 1 point against Bayern Munich to officially stay in the Bundesliga. If they cannot do that, Hoffenheim need to limit the number of goals conceded, beware of the situation where Heidenheim has 3 points in the match at the same time.
Bayern beat Hoffenheim 5-0 in the first leg of this season. Notably, since the defeat at Feyenoord on January 22 in the Champions League, Bayern have not lost any more away matches.
Personnel situation
Hoffenheim continues to be missing a series of defenders as Christopher Lenz, Ozan Kabak, Stanley N'Soki and Valentin Gendrey are all injured. Meanwhile, the trio of Arthur Chaves, Leo Ostigard and Kevin Akpoguma are likely to continue to start.
On the other side of the front line, Bayern's defense is also broken when Alphonso Davies, Dayot Upamecano, Hiroki Ito and Kim Min-jae are all unable to play.
Eric Dier is set to start in central defence in his final match before leaving Bayern. He could be supported by Konrad Laimer, Josip Stanisic and Raphael Guerreiro in a back four.
Expected lineup:
Hoffenheim: Baumann, Chaves, Ostigard, Akpoguma, Kaderabek, Stach, Bischof, Bulter, Toure, Kramaric, Hlozek.
Bayern Munich: Neuer, Laimer, Dier, Stanisic, Guerreiro, Kimmich, Pavlovic, Olise, Muller, Sane, Kane.
The match between Hoffenheim and Bayern Munich takes place at 20:30 on May 17 (Vietnam time).
