Die Roten look to increase their lead in the Bundesliga as an in-form Hertha BSC come to the Allianz Arena hoping to cause an upset and go back to the capital with the three points.

The last time these two met, it took 80 minutes before Bastian Schweinsteiger found the back of the net to aid his side to victory.

Form

Many pundits at the beginning of the season predicted Hertha would struggle this season, fighting relegation. While it is still early days, Pal Dardai has his club pushing for a Champions League spot and one point behind third place. They face a daunting task, however, and will be forced to sit back for much of the match trying to stay in their defensive shape and closing any space that Bayern may find.

Last time out, the blue and white striped shirts did not play their best despite coming away with the 1-0 victory in wintery conditions. The loan goal came off an own goal from Hoffenheim and then proceeded to sit back for the remainder of time, defending heroically.

Four – that is the number of goals Bayern Munich has given up at home thus far this season in all competitions, which is quite remarkable. Between the Bundesliga and the Champions League, Pep’s squad has only let in eight total goals. And their offense has been from another planet with Robert Lewandowski leading the way with 13 in league play already.

While they were not at their best against Schalke in their last Bundesliga league match, Bayern Munich came away with the 1-3 defeat of Schalke with the help of an own goal from Leon Goretzka and the ability to hit their opposition on the counter.

Key Players

Douglas Costa may be the signing of the year as he has added an element that Bayern Munich did not have last season with the injuries to Arjen Robben and Frank Ribery. Costa can also find the back of the net as well having scored twice but creates for his teammates as well.

For Hertha, Salomon Kalou is in the form of his life now that he has been playing his preferred position up top in a 4-2-3-1 where he has been getting some excellent service from the likes of Genki Haraguchi and Vladimir Darida. As a result of this, the former Chelsea man has scored a whopping seven goals in 12 appearances – which seven off his career high.

Team News

The visitors are still without several key players including number one goalkeeper Thomas Kraft and one of the most influential playmakers on the squad, Anis Ben-Hatira.

Bayern, on the other hand, will be missing their new signing Douglas Costa as he is recovering with Frank Ribery still on the sidelines.  

Prediction

Despite the standings, Hertha are punching well above their weight and the gulf of class will be on display when the two sides meet with Bayern Munich controlling the majority of the possession and will win by two or three goals easily.