Preview: Bayern Munich relishing the prospect of another goal frenzy
After securing their first piece of silverware of the season in the shape of the UEFA Super Cup in which they beat Chelsea, Pep Guardiola’s start to life in Germany has been quite decent to say the least. However, things might not be that easy in the league considering the fact that the reigning German champions dropped valuable points when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Freiburg in their last league outing.
Swiss international, Xherdan Shaqiri had given his team the lead only to see Nicolas Hofler score late on in the game to hand Freiburg their second draw of the season.
Things could be different however when they take on Hannover 96 against whom, Munich have scored goals for fun in recent times. Last season, Bayern Munich scored 11 goals in two games against their rivals. Franck Ribery scored in both of those games but feels that things will not be as easy this time around when they face Mirko Slomka’s men.
"Whatever we did last year against Hannover, we have to forget it, it will be totally different this time, it is a new game," Ribery said.
"And it will difficult again, for sure," he added
Ribery's sentiments were echoed by Arjen Robben, who is eager to maintain Bayern's unbeaten run and keep pace with Borussia Dortmund, who boast the division's only 100 per cent record.
"Hannover is always strong team, if we have a great day and they a worse one, obviously you can have a great score then," Robben said.
"It will be difficult and it is important for us to have quick turnovers.
"There are plenty of games to go, we have to be careful of Dortmund and win our games. When you are playing good you are always very confident."
Indeed, the club from Lower Saxony has made quite a decent start to the new season, winning three of their opening four games and boasting a healthy goals difference of +3.
Bastian Schweinsteiger is unlikely to feature in the game at Allianz Arena even though he has returned to training. Thiago Alcantara and Holger Badstuber on the other hand, are far from making swift returns.
Senegal international, Mame Biram Diouf is set to miss the game after sustaining an ankle injury during his country’s 1-0 win over Uganda in a World Cup qualification game.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV, Live Scores
Bayern Munich vs Hannover 96 live on Saturday, September 14, 2013:
In USA at 9:30 ET on Gol TV USA
Fans in other parts of the world can watch the match live on their local channels. Those in Germany can watch the match live on Sky Bundesliga HD 2 whereas fans in the Canada can watch the match live on GolTV Canada.
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Bayern Munich vs Hannover 96 match page.
