undesliga | Gameweek 13

Dec 7, 2024 at 2.30pm UK

Allianz Arena

Bayernvs.Heidenheim

Match preview

It's fair to say that Bayern will be disappointed to exit the DFB-Pokal, especially given that it's the first time in 12 years that they've failed to win a trophy. However, it's not really Kompany's fault, given that goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was sent off in the 17th minute.

The last time out, on 30 November, the hosts drew 1-1 with Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. Bayern had three big chances in the second half, after struggling to create much in the first.

After the draw, Kompany said he was happy with how his players reacted in the second half. He told reporters: "I thought the first 10-15 minutes were pretty good, but then we lost our way a bit, made a few mistakes and lost the ball too easily." We didn't play at our best. In the second half, we upped our game and created lots of chances to score.

To the league leaders – the draw was the first time they'd dropped points in the top flight in their last six matches. They're still unbeaten in the league in their 12 most recent games, having won nine and drawn three in that period.

The Bavarians have scored 37 goals and conceded just eight times in the Bundesliga, which are the best records in the whole division.

Bayern's loss in the DFB-Pokal was their first at home in any competition since losing 2-0 to Borussia Dortmund in late March. In that time, the club has won 11 and drawn two.

Heidenheim got off to a great start in the 2024-25 season, winning their first five games and seven of their first nine.

However, the away team only managed to win two of their next 11 matches, losing eight and drawing one.

Boss Frank Schmidt will be disappointed his team have lost their last four games, but he can't complain about their 4-0 defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt. The Eagles created five good chances and restricted his team to just one.

In their last seven Bundesliga matches, Schmidt's side failed to score on four occasions and lost six times.

Heidenheim haven't been doing so well on the road in the league. They've lost their last three away games, as well as three of their past four away from home in all competitions.

Recent Performance

Bayern Munich Bundesliga form:WWWWWD

Bayern Munich form (all competitions):WWWWDL

Heidenheim Bundesliga form:LDLLLL

Heidenheim form (all competitions):LWLLLL

Team News

The hosts' key player Harry Kane will be out of action until late December, so perhaps Kompany will field a frontline of Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala and Kingsley Coman behind Thomas Müller.

Midfielder Joao Palhinha is set to be out until January, so it looks like Bayern will go with a double pivot of Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka.

In defence, it looks like Kompany will start with a back four of Raphael Guerreiro, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae and Alphonso Davies in front of Neuer, who won't serve his suspension in the league.

Heidenheim have some concerns about the fitness of midfielders Julian Niehues and Luka Janes, while forward Marvin Pieringer is not likely to play again until February 2025 due to an Achilles tendon injury.

Schmidt might start a midfield trio of Niklas Dorsch, Lennard Maloney and Jan Schoppner ahead of centre-backs Patrick Mainka and Benedikt Gimber.

It looks like Paul Wanner, Mikkel Kaufmann and Leo Scienza will lead the visitors' attack.

Possible starting lineup

Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:

Neuer; Guerreiro, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Sane, Musiala, Coman; Muller

Heidenheim possible starting lineup:

Muller; Traore, Mainka, Gimber, Fohrenbach; Dorsch, Maloney, Schoppner; Wanner, Kaufmann, Scienza