DFB-Pokal: The Bavarians Are Back at it Again!

Bayern Munich vs TSG Hoffenheim

It has been a great week for Bayern Munich as they are back once again at the mountaintop of the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig drawing level against Borussia Monchengladbach in the last matchday.

But for now, the Bavarians will turn their focus to the DFB Pokal as they host Hoffenheim in their third-round matchup.

The Bavarians are the overwhelming favourites to win this year’s tourney after doing so the last time around, but it was all under the tutelage of Niko Kovac who helped them achieve a domestic double last term.

This time around, Hansi Flick will try to achieve the same feat for the Bavarians. And what better time to coach in your first-ever DFB Pokal game for Bayern Munich than against Hoffenheim. It can be noted that team manager Hansi Flick was in charge of Hoffenheim for five years and steered them to as far as the quarterfinals in their second campaign.

On the other hand, Hoffenheim continue their rise into the domestic scene by placing seventh in the Bundesliga standings with 33 points. And they may uniquely qualified to possibly pull an upset against the Bavarians.

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Bundesliga

Talking Points

The Bavarians ascension to the top

The defending Bundesliga champions are now back on top of the table for the first time since October 2019 as they’ve scored six consecutive wins, and they will look to continue their winning ways here in the DFB Pokal.

Bayern Munich have been on a tear scoring goals left and right as they’ve reached their peak form once more. They have scored 3.5 goals per game in the past six contests thanks to the timely contributions from their big guns.

Robert Lewandowski leads Bundesliga in goals scored with 22 plus three assists, while Serge Gnabry emerged as a strong playmaker with seven goals and six assists so far. SBOBET fans can expect these two to light up the scoring tally while producing some of the best DFB Pokal 2020 highlights.

The Bavarians also benefitted from the efforts of Thomas Muller, Thiago Alcantara, Philippe Coutinho, Ivan Perisic, and Leon Goretzka, making them one of the formidable clubs in Europe.

Their defence has improved as well as they’ve conceded only three goals in their past six matches. And their backline will be bolstered even further since Lucas Hernandez has recovered from his ankle injury while Real Madrid loanee Alvaro Odriozola is expected to make his debut soon.

Playing an in-form Bayern Munich squad at home should pose a daunting task for all challengers. And with the way they’re playing right now under the guidance of Hansi Flick, the Bavarians may very well be on their way to lift their 20^th DFB Pokal title soon.

DFB-Pokal Update: There are no fresh injury concerns for Hoffenheim aside from Sargis Adamyan — Sargis Adamyan celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal

Hoffenheim pose an interesting challenge

Beating Bayern Munich once may be considered lucky, but Hoffenheim will try to make sure that it’s no fluke as they lock horns with them again this Thursday.

It can be remembered that Hoffenheim defeated the Bundesliga defending champs in what was a scintillating debut for forward Sargis Adamyan, and it was memorable since the loss knocked them off the top spot at the time.

The Armenian national netted a brace in that game and his heroics would help Hoffenheim rise to the seventh spot at the Bundesliga table. He and Andrej Kramaric would form a lethal attacking duo that can hit the woodwork for the Alfred Schreuder-mentored squad as they’ve accounted for 11 of the team’s 31 goals so far this term.

Hoffenheim, like Bayern, have been impressive as well in their past few games. They have won four of their last five, which includes some statement victories against Bayer Leverkusen, Werder Bremen, and Borussia Dortmund.

They will try to do the unthinkable by beating Bayern Munich for the second time on the road in the same season.

Few days ago, the team was able to add a young piece in Jacob Bruun Larsen from Borussia Dortmund. The 21-year-old is expected to make his starting XI debut – and possibly a bigger role – since Sargis Adamyan is doubtful due to an ankle injury.

History

No team has ever won two away matches at the Allianz Arena in the same season since Bayern were promoted to top-flight in 1965.

Hoffenheim have reached the Final 16 for the first time since 2015 and they have a flawless record in this round, advancing in all seven draws.

Robert Lewandowski has been the top marksman in the DFB Pokal for the past three seasons. He’s currently at level with Claudio Pizarro in the competition’s all-time scoring list with 34 goals.

Betting Tip

	Bayern Munich vs TSG Hoffenheim	Bayern Munich Asian Handicap -2.25 @1.81

Bayern Munich are obviously the hot favourites in our DFB Pokal odds putting them at 1.14, while Hoffenheim are at 17.00, and chances of a draw are at 7.00 in the 1×2 market.

The Bavarians are expected to fire away in this game, especially since they have lethal scorers and playmakers at their disposal. Sargis Adamyan’s possible absence would help them too.

Alfred Schreuder will have the unenviable task of trying to pull another rabbit from his hat since the Hansi Flick-coached club will be keen on avenging their loss against them earlier this term.