Bongarts
Bayern are set to receive a massive boost as Bastian Schweinsteiger returns from injury. Reports from Munich indicate that the vice-captain is fit to play for up to 45 minutes as a substitute on Saturday, although if the hosts lead at half-time, he may not be risked ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Basel.
Daniel van Buyten remains unavailable as he recovers from a metatarsal fracture, and Rafinha is doubtful for the match due to a bout of flu. In the Brazilian's stead, Anatoliy Tymoshchuk could deputise, or David Alaba or Diego Contento could fill in on the left of defence, with Philipp Lahm switching to the right.
Hoffenheim will be short of a key player in right-back Andreas Beck, who played very well against Franck Ribery in the first round but is suspended following his 10th yellow card of the season. Strjan Lakic, Sven Schipplock are out with knocks, while Sejad Salihovic has been suspended by coach Markus Babbel. Finally, Andreas Ibsertsberger and Matthias Jaissle remain sidelined as they recover from long-term injuries.
Prediction | PROBABLE LINEUPS |
BAYERN MUNICH  Neuer Lahm, Boateng, Badstuber, Contento Luiz Gustavo, Kroos Robben, Muller, Ribery Gomez | HOFFENHEIM  Starke Johnson, Vestergaard, Compper, Braafheid Rudy, Weis Vukcevic, Firmino, Babel Mlapa |
Bayern are set to receive a massive boost as Bastian Schweinsteiger returns from injury. Reports from Munich indicate that the vice-captain is fit to play for up to 45 minutes as a substitute on Saturday, although if the hosts lead at half-time, he may not be risked ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Basel.
Daniel van Buyten remains unavailable as he recovers from a metatarsal fracture, and Rafinha is doubtful for the match due to a bout of flu. In the Brazilian's stead, Anatoliy Tymoshchuk could deputise, or David Alaba or Diego Contento could fill in on the left of defence, with Philipp Lahm switching to the right.
Hoffenheim will be short of a key player in right-back Andreas Beck, who played very well against Franck Ribery in the first round but is suspended following his 10th yellow card of the season. Strjan Lakic, Sven Schipplock are out with knocks, while Sejad Salihovic has been suspended by coach Markus Babbel. Finally, Andreas Ibsertsberger and Matthias Jaissle remain sidelined as they recover from long-term injuries.
| DID YOU KNOW |
Bayern Munich have never lost to Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, and have won all three of their previous home games against the Sinsheim outfit.
- Philipp Lahm is expected to captain the record champions in his 250th Bundesliga appearance.
- Bastian Schweinsteiger has made just four appearances since November 2.
- Hoffenheim are undefeated in their last five matches: their most recent loss was a 3-1 result against Dortmund in late January.
- The village side have scored (27) and conceded (28) fewer goals than ever before in the Bundesliga after 24 rounds.
- Each of Hoffenheim's eight goals since the winter break has been scored by a different player.
In spite of their slump as of late, Bayern have dropped points just twice and conceded only three goals at home this season: only Dortmund have taken more points in the Bundesliga. Hoffenheimhave had trouble away from home, and more often than not come out on the losing end. They have proven hard to beat as of late, but should not be expected to take something from Saturday's match, especially if the Bavarians are on target first.
Editor's Prediction
Bayern 2-0 Hoffenheim 
