Hertha Berlin have the pleasure or perhaps displeasure of hosting in-form Bayern Munich this Saturday. Hertha have only one win in their previous five matches and sit in 14th, two points from relegation. In contrast, Bayern are just a point off the summit with Union Berlin standing in their way.
Julian Nagelsmann’s team finished off the Champions League group stages in style on Tuesday when they beat Inter Milan 2-0. In fact, Bayern became the first team in Champions League history to finish the group stage with a 100% record on three separate occasions. Bayern made a couple of changes for that win against Inter and you’d expect Nagelsmann to revert back to his trusted players who play most weekends.
For Hertha, it’s now seven league games without a win. However, four of the seven have been draws, meaning that Sandro Schwarz’s side rarely get beaten well. Bayern may have something to say about that but Hertha will have to rely on their togetherness and defensive attributes to get something out of this one.
Team news
The news is positive for Bayern Munich fans. Despite Manuel Neuer and Thomas Müller remaining sidelined as well as Leroy Sané (doubtful), Matthijs de Ligt, Alphonso Davies, Leon Goretzka, and Serge Gnabry are all expected to come back into the starting 11.
For Hertha, it’s not as pleasant reading. They will be without striker Stevan Jovetic who went off with a groin injury last weekend in their 1-0 loss to Werder Bremen. Schwarz could go for a like-for-like replacement or even opt for an extra defensive midfielder in Ivan Šunjić to try and stop Bayern’s middle two running riot.
Predicted line-ups
Bayern Munich
Ulreich – Pavard, Upamecano, de Ligt, Davies – Kimmich, Goretzka – Gnabry, Musiala, Mane – Choupo-Moting.
Hertha Berlin
Christensen – Kenny, Rogel, Kempf, Plattenhardt – Tousart, Šunjić, Serdar – Lukebakio, Kanga, Richter.
GGFN | Jamie Allen
