Hoffenheim vs Bayern Munich: Predicted XI and Team News | Bundesliga 2018-19

FC Bayern Munchen will be hoping to put pressure on runaway leaders Borussia Dortmund

The Bundesliga is set to restart after the winter break with defending champions Bayern Munich travelling to Hoffenheim to face TSG Hoffenheim in the Rhein-Neckar Arena in their first match of the league since its resumption on Friday.

Hoffenheim are win-less in their last 8 matches in all competitions, and Julian Nagelsmann and his side will be hoping to change their fortunes and get their first victory in the league since November.

The defending champions have finally found a rhythm to their game under new manager Niko Kovac after a disastrous start to their campaign. The Bavarian giants sit second in the table, 6 points behind league leaders Borussia Dortmund after 17 rounds of matches.

Here are the team news and the predicted XI:

Team News:

Hoffenheim

Julian Nagelsmann has an almost fully-fit squad at his disposal with midfielder Lukas Rupp the only injury concern for the Hoffenheim side. The German international will face a late fitness test to confirm his availability for the match.

The 22-year old Brazilian forward Joelinton will once lead the line for the Die Kraichgauer.

Bayern Munich

The French winger is set to miss the first match since resumption after injuring himself in the training camp at Doha

Niko Kovac has a couple of injury concerns for the Bavarians, with Frank Ribery joining the likes of Arjen Robben and Corentin Tolisso on the sidelines with injury, after picking up an injury in the Bavarians' Doha training camp.

Probable Line-ups:

TSG Hoffenheim (3-4-3): Baumann; Posch, Vogt, Hubner; Nelson, Demirbay, Grillitisch, Schulz; Zuber, Joelinton, Grifo.

Bayern Munich (4-1-4-1) Neuer; Rafinha, Sule, Boateng, Alaba; Martinez; Muller, Kimmich, Thiago, Coman; Lewandowski.