Preview: Bayern Munich vs. Hertha Berlin - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, meanwhile, head into the clash rock-bottom of the table, as they desperately attempt to avoid returning to Germany's second tier for the first time in a decade.

Match preview

Bayern, of course, have won the Bundesliga title in every season since their forthcoming opponents triumphed in the second tier in the 2012-13 campaign, but their streak is at serious risk of coming to an end this time around.

The Bavarians were replaced at the summit by Borussia Dortmund last weekend, with Thomas Tuchel's side surprisingly squandering a one-goal lead away to Mainz after Sadio Mane had put aside his recent controversies to fire them ahead one minute before the half-hour mark.

However, Bo Svensson's side are dangerous opponents for any team on current form, and quickfire strikes from Ludovic Ajorque, Leandro Barreiro and Aaron Caricol provided them with a victory to savour at the expense of the reigning champions.

After beating Dortmund in Der Klassiker in his first game following replacing Julian Nagelsmann during the recent international break, Tuchel looked set to maintain Bayern's assault on three competitions. Instead, they have since crashed out of the DFB-Pokal and Champions League, as well as having their league destiny wrestled away from them across a disastrous seven-game initial spell in charge.

As such, the former Chelsea boss is under serious pressure to deliver all three points on Sunday against the division's worst performing team so far this season, while praying for a favour from VfL Bochum against Dortmund on Friday evening.

Hertha's last seven matches have proven to be equally bleak, with Die Alte Dame collecting only two points from that span of games to fall to the bottom of the table.

Their 5-2 defeat away to their relegation rivals Schalke 04 spelled the end of Sandro Schwarz's disappointing reign in charge, with Pal Dardai drafted in for his third managerial spell at the club ahead of last weekend's home match against Werder Bremen.

With their forthcoming opponents also winless in six matches and realistically safe from any relegation fears, Hertha would have fancied their chances against Ole Werner's side, but Marvin Ducksch's hat-trick condemned them towards a damning 4-2 defeat ahead of arguably their toughest fixture of the season.

However, Dardai will be determined to ensure that his players' heads do not collectively drop, especially as they have two more massive chances to potentially save themselves in the form of home fixtures against fellow relegation strugglers Stuttgart and Bochum across the closing weeks of the campaign.

In terms of Sunday's trip to Munich, it could prove to be a case of damage limitation for Hertha, especially with goal difference always likely to be a factor in terms of separating teams on the final day of the season. But recent form suggests no team is without a chance against Tuchel's misfiring Bayern.

Bayern Munich Bundesliga form:

W

L

W

W

D

L

Bayern Munich form (all competitions):

L

W

L

D

D

L

Hertha Berlin Bundesliga form:

D

L

D

L

L

L

Team News

Bayern will remain without Lucas Hernandez and Manuel Neuer due to season-ending injuries, while Eric Choupo-Moting and Alphonso Davies are also both facing a race against time to feature again this season due to knee and thigh issues respectively.

As such, Mane will likely lead the line once more after scoring last time out, with Leroy Sane - who was involved in an altercation with the former Liverpool forward after their side's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City earlier this month - set to return to the starting XI.

Hertha, meanwhile, will travel without Suat Serdar and Marc Oliver Kempf after both players incurred one-match suspensions after being booked during their side's defeat to Werder Bremen last weekend.

However, Filip Uremovic will be available once again after serving his own ban and will almost certainly replace Kempf in defence, but Marco Richter, Marton Dardai, Stevan Jovetic and Kelian Nsona all remain injury doubts.

Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:

Sommer; Pavard, Upamecano, De Ligt, Cancelo; Kimmich, Musiala; Sane, Muller, Coman; Mane

Hertha Berlin possible starting lineup:

Christensen; Pekarik, Rogel, Uremovic, Plattenhardt; Tousart, Cigerci; Lukebakio, Boateng, Richter; Ngankam

We say: Bayern Munich 4-0 Hertha Berlin

We can envisage Bayern coming out with a major point to prove after their recent disappointments in all three competitions that they were fighting to win, as they desperately aim to avoid ending the season trophyless.

Hertha's upcoming home fixtures against Stuttgart and Bochum will largely dictate whether they manage to pull themselves out of relegation trouble or not, but we expect them to edge closer to demotion with a heavy defeat on Sunday.

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