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Bayern Munich return to Bundesliga action this Saturday, determined to maintain their six-point lead at the top of the table when they host Holstein Kiel at Allianz Arena. With 48 points, Bayern extended their advantage over second-placed Bayer Leverkusen following a 2-1 victory over Freiburg on January 25. Meanwhile, Holstein Kiel, who are currently second-last with only 12 points, held Wolfsburg to a 2-2 draw on January 24 but remain in the relegation zone.
Bayern Munich's Current Form: Dominating but Vulnerable in Defense
Bayern Munich's attacking prowess remains formidable, but they were unexpectedly blunt in their 2-1 win over Freiburg. Despite averaging nearly five big chances per game in their previous 18 Bundesliga fixtures, they could only muster two against Freiburg. However, they still managed an impressive 29 goals in their past 10 matches, averaging nearly three goals per game. That said, their defense has been leaky, with the team only managing two clean sheets in their last eight Bundesliga outings.
Despite some struggles in the Champions League, Bayern's domestic form has been almost flawless, winning six of their last seven matches. At home, they’ve been a powerhouse, with only one defeat at Allianz Arena in the 2024-25 season, a 1-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal. With Bayern’s formidable attack and their excellent home form, they are favored to continue their winning ways.
Holstein Kiel's Struggles: A Tough Road Ahead
Holstein Kiel has been in poor form this season, sitting in the relegation zone. However, they’ve shown some recent resilience in attack, scoring 14 goals in their last five league games, the same number they netted in their first 14 matches of the season. Still, Holstein Kiel's record is mixed, with two wins, two losses, and one draw in their past five matches. On the road, they have been even more vulnerable, with just one win in their last 11 away matches and seven losses in their last 10 away games.
Head coach Marcel Rapp will need to shore up the defense, but with key absentees, Holstein Kiel may struggle to keep Bayern's attacking stars at bay. The team's recent defensive fragility and Bayern's explosive attack suggest this will be a one-sided affair.
Team News: Key Absentees for Both Sides
For Bayern Munich, Alphonso Davies will miss out due to a hamstring injury, and he is joined by defender Hiroki Ito and goalkeeper Daniel Peretz on the sidelines. Raphael Guerreiro has filled in at left-back, and he could partner Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, and Kim Min-jae in defense, with Manuel Neuer in goal. Leon Goretzka remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury, which could see Joshua Kimmich paired with Aleksandar Pavlovic in midfield.
Holstein Kiel will miss midfielder Nicolai Remberg due to suspension, while Marvin Schulz is struggling with fitness. Coach Rapp is likely to start Lewis Holtby, Magnus Knudsen, and Armin Gigovic in the midfield. In attack, Steven Skrzybski and Phil Harres are expected to lead the charge, with Alexander Bernhardsson still sidelined due to a knee injury.
Predicted Lineups
Bayern Munich: Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Sane, Musiala, Gnabry; Kane
Holstein Kiel: Weiner; Becker, Zec, Komenda; Rosenboom, Holtby, Knudsen, Gigovic, Porath; Skrzybski, Harres
Match Prediction: Bayern Munich 6-2 Holstein Kiel
Given Bayern Munich's attacking firepower and Holstein Kiel's defensive vulnerabilities, it's hard to see anything but a comfortable win for the Bavarians. However, Holstein Kiel has been finding their rhythm in attack and could manage to score a few goals themselves. Bayern's strong form, especially at home, makes them the favorites, and they are expected to win by a significant margin.
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