FC Bayern vs. TSG Hoffenheim preview: When the league’s deadliest attacks go head-to-head

Here is our official preview for the Bundesliga game between FC Bayern Munich and TSG Hoffenheim, including squad news and predicted lineups.

FC Bayern return to Allianz Arena on Saturday evening looking to maintain their grip on the Bundesliga title race as they welcome a red-hot TSG Hoffenheim side who arrive in Munich unbeaten after five wins in a row in 2026 – and with plenty going on off the pitch as well.

On paper, this is one of the standout fixtures of the round. Bayern boast the league’s most potent attack (74 goals!), while Hoffenheim are second in that regard (43 goals), making Saturday’s clash a meeting of the Bundesliga’s two most prolific offensive units. Vincent Kompany’s side have largely cruised through the season so far, but Hoffenheim are determined to ensure the title race remains alive – maybe even for themselves, should the next few weeks go totally their way.

Expectations for the game

FCB coach Kompany is expecting an intense contest and sees similarities between the two teams’ approaches: “Both are very hard-working teams with a good mix of different profiles. They’re very active. We’ve always shown when a team wants to bring that intensity that we’re there and can play well. I think it’s always good when an opponent brings that intensity. That’s also good for the fans. That brings the best out of a game. We’re up for this one, because that’s one of our strengths, but also one of theirs.”

Bayern have benefited from a rare full week of preparation after a hectic run of fixtures, although Kompany was keen to downplay any suggestion of renewed motivation: “It’s the same hunger. We had seven games in 20 days. We’ve shown that hunger since January 1st, including in those first games with those results. But when you have so many games, including away games, a week like we’ve just had is sometimes good. You can then enjoy it. We’ve been able to prepare.”

Hoffenheim, meanwhile, travel south full of confidence after winning all five of their league matches in the new year. Midfielder Grischa Prömel made it clear that the visitors see this game as a chance to apply pressure at the top: “We hope to make the title race exciting. At one point, it looked like Bayern would completely cruise to the title. I’m a fan of excitement for as long as possible. We’ll do everything in our power to keep it that way.”

He added that Hoffenheim have no reason to fear the German champions: “Bayern are sometimes in a league of their own. Their squad is packed with world-class players. Nevertheless, we have nothing to fear because we’re still unbeaten this year. Five wins out of five games. We’re going there with our heads held high and are convinced we can hold our own in Munich.”

Forward Tim Lemperle also pointed to the reverse fixture – a 4-1 Bayern win – as a source of encouragement rather than intimidation: “If Bayern play to their potential, we as a team need to defend well and compactly. I remember the first game well because I watched it from the sidelines. We played bravely and had scoring chances right from the start. Approaching the game the same way isn’t a bad idea. We just need to be more clinical in front of goal.”

Off-field turmoil at Hoffenheim

Adding another layer of intrigue is the situation off the pitch at Hoffenheim. There is growing speculation around the club’s hierarchy, with reports suggesting that changes at board level could follow as early as Monday, depending on the outcome in Munich. While the players and coaching staff have publicly insisted their focus remains fully on the pitch, the uncertainty could either distract or galvanise a side that has ridden momentum in recent weeks.

Squad news

FC Bayern:
Bayern have no confirmed absentees for Saturday’s match. Manuel Neuer and Harry Kane were both doubts earlier in the week but are expected to be available after returning to full training.

TSG Hoffenheim:
The visitors are dealing with several notable absences. Wouter Burger, Adam Hložek, Koki Machida and Cole Campbell will all miss the trip to Munich.

Predicted lineups

FC Bayern (4-2-3-1):
Neuer – Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Davies – Kimmich, Pavlović – Olise, Musiala, Díaz – Kane

TSG Hoffenheim (4-1-4-1):
Baumann – Coufal, Hranáč, Kabak, Hajdari – Avdullahu – Lemperle, Kramarić, Prömel, Touré – Asllani

With two fearless attacking sides, high confidence on both benches and plenty at stake both on and off the pitch, all the ingredients are in place for an entertaining Bundesliga evening in Munich.