German champions FC Bayern will look to continue their seamless start to the Bundesliga season when they host Hertha Berlin, who are also enjoying a great start to the season, winning three consecutive matches and trailing Bayern only by goal difference at the moment.
If anyone thought, a change of manager would disturb Bayern’s habit of dominating the German teams, they have been disabused of that notion. Since taking charge of the Bavarian team at the start of the season, after replacing Pep Guardiola, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has given Bayern their greatest start in the history. In just six games so far, the 26th time German champions have already scored 23 goals while conceding only one in the process.
That one goal came in Bayern’s last league game against Ingolstadt on Saturday where they managed a 3:1 away win despite being a bit rough. They were given a run for their money, as Ingolstadt, playing only their second Bundesliga season, took the lead within eight minutes through Dario Lezcano. However, Polish star forward pulled one back for Bayern within minutes after Ingolstadt’s opener.
After drawing 1:1 in the first half, Carlo Ancelotti’s troops hit two goals in the second half through long range drives courtesy of Xabi Alonso and Rafinha.
Meanwhile, Bayern’s midweek opponent Hertha Berlin are also enjoying their best start to the Bundesliga season in the club’s history. Die Alte Dame are looking to continue their revelation since Hungarian coach Pal Dardai took in charge of the club, helping the capital club finishing seventh last season. Going into the clash, both the teams are currently the only sides yet to drop a point with three match days already played.
A dogged and disciplined defensive Hertha side earned a much deserved 2:0 victory against Schalke on Sunday. After being goalless at half-time, Hertha forced and then capitalized on the visitor’s mistakes to snatch the points at the Olympiastadion. At the 54th minute, former Bayern youngster Mitchell Weiser found the back of the net off an assist from Vice-captain Peter Pekarik.
Hertha doubled their lead ten minutes later, through Swiss midfielder Valentin Stocker, this time, Weiser being the provider.
Pal Dardai’s men are surely going to make life difficult for Bayern on Wednesday and goalkeeper, Rune Jarstein, who kept two clean sheets so far, is going to play a key part as they look to stay concrete against an offensive cannon that is FC Bayern. In their last 54 Bundesliga games, Hertha have only lost more than two goals twice, with both the defeats coming against Borussia Monchengladbach. So, surely we’re not expecting any one-sided contest here.
However, the loss midfield grinder Vladimir Darida is going to be a huge loss for Pal Dardai. The Czech international plays a pivotal part in the Hertha system, running tirelessly throughout the ninety minutes and sweeping up the whole midfield. News say that the 26-year old could miss the whole Hinrunde due to the Ankle injury.
Predicted Lineups
FC Bayern: (4-3-3 formation): Manuel Neuer; Rafinha, Joshua Kimmich, Javi Martinez, Bernat; Renato Sanches, Xabi Alonso, Arturo Vidal; Kingsley Coman, Robert Lewandowski, Franck Ribery
Hertha Berlin: (4-2-3-1 formation): Rune Jarstein; Peter Pekarik, Sebastian Langkamp, Niklas Stark, Marvin Plattenhardt; Fabian Lustenberger, Per Skjelbred; Mitchell Weiser, Jens Hegeler, Genki Haraguchi; Vedad Ibisevic
Prediction: FC Bayern 1:1 Hertha Berlin SC
