Preview: Can Hannover trouble Bayern?
Tayfun Korkut’s side have reason to believe they can trouble the Bavarians. Hannover sides managed to do that quite a few times until Bayern became almost untouchable. Last season, both meetings were utterly one sided. Bayern won in the Allianz Arena, 5-0, and 1-6, at the current HDI, but formerly, AWD Arena. Korkut has managed to turn the side into one of the best home teams in the league since taking over.
He will be without Andre Hoffmann due to an unfortunate case of tonsillitis. Hannover’s inspirational captain, the American Steven Cherundolo, Didier Ya Konan, Felipe and Christian Pander are all out as well. On the other hand, he might have Mame Biram Diouf ready for this one. Bayern meanwhile might use this match to finally give Bastian Schweinsteiger his first ninety minutes since his return to the squad. Pep Guardiola will have to make do without the services of Holger Badstuber, Xherdan Shaqiri and Franck Ribery.
Guardiola is taking this meeting against Hannover very seriously. This is what he had to say according to the official Bayern website:
“It’s like the situation with Nürnberg. We’ve only won one of our last three games in Hannover. It’s a useful stat because it shows how difficult it will be.”
He also emphasized that the Bundesliga trophy is the most important one as noted by the club’s official website:
“We can take another step on the road to defending the title. The championship is the most important trophy. We have to work hard towards it every day.”
Bayern’s fixture list is crowded. Guardiola has to make sure that his players stay fit. But Hannover will surely offer some resistance. Can Bayern continue their unbeaten run in the league? Or can Hannover halt it?
Where to watch the match: Live Streams, Live Scores, Start Times, TV Channels:
Watch Hannover 96 vs Bayern München live on Sunday, February 23, 2014:
In Canada at 11:30 ET on GolTV Canada
In the UK at 16:30 GMT on ESPN UK / HD
In the USA at 11:30 ET on GolTV USA
Viewers in Germany can tune into Sky Bundesliga HD 1 to watch the match.
For the complete TV listings and live scores upon kick-off, visit the Hannover-Bayern match page.
