Bayern Munich kick off the new Bundesliga season against Hamburg on Friday. Pep Guardiola’s side cruised to the title last season, and barring an upset of considerable proportions, they should do the same again this time around. Despite their Champions League struggles, the Bavarians remain the strongest team in Germany, and have strengthened this summer with the big-money arrivals of Arturo Vidal and Douglas Costa.
Bayern Munich vs. HSV live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Bayern Munich start the Bundesliga season against last season’s relegation strugglers Hamburg on Friday.
Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images
Their opponents, Hamburg, are on paper one of the biggest teams in Germany. They’ve won the domestic title six times and lifted the European Cup back in 1983. However, they’ve fallen on hard times, and only a win in an end-of-season playoff tie prevented them from being relegated from the top flight for the first time in their history. They’ll be looking for a more comfortable season this time around, but it’d be surprising if they managed to avoid an Opening Day defeat.
Upset potential
It has been a busy summer for Bruno Labbadia's HSV, with regulars like Rafael van der Vaart and Valon Behrami departing. However, their departures have been rather less spectacular, with the two priciest signings being like-for-like midfield replacements in Lewis Holtby and Albin Ekdal. They're both solid players, but it remains to be seen whether it'll be enough for them to escape another relegation battle. In short, they're unlikely to seriously trouble Bayern in this match.
New player to watch -- Arturo Vidal (Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich's biggest summer signing is undoubtedly that of Vidal, who has joined from Juventus for around £20 million. The Chilean has been one of the top midfielders in Europe over the past few seasons, with his all-action displays in midfield helping the Italian champions turn themselves from Serie A also-rans to Champions League finalists. It'll be fascinating to see how Pep uses Vidal and whether he'll be able to find his best form once again.
Bayern Munich injuries and suspensions
Out: Franck Ribéry (ankle), Javi Martínez (patella tendon), Holger Badstuber (thigh), Jan Kirchhoff (Achilles). In doubt: None.
HSV injuries and suspensions
Out: Jaroslav Drobný (shoulder), Ashton Götz (fitness). In doubt: Cléber (neck), Batuhan Altıntaş (thigh)
Bayern will still be without first-team midfielders Franck Ribéry and Javi Martínez, as well as rotation defenders Holger Badstuber and Jan Kirchhoff.
Goalkeeper Jaroslav Drobný and full-back Ashton Götz will certainly be sidelined for HSV, though defender Cléber and summer signing Batuhan Altıntaş both face late fitness tests.
Match Date/Time: Friday, 2:30 p.m. ET, 8:30 p.m. local
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
TV: Fox Sports 2, regional (U.S.), BT Sport (U.K.), Sportsnet World (Canada)
Online: YouTube, Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2 Go (U.S.), BT Sport (U.K.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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