Bayern look to revive season

Berlin, Oct. 13: Bayern Munich will play their first game under returning coach Jupp Heynckes when they host Freiburg this Saturday.

The 72- year- old, who won the treble with the club in 2013, is tasked with reviving Bayern’s stuttering season after his predecessor Carlo Ancelotti was dismissed two weeks ago.

Bayern are five points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga table, and have won just two of their last five league fixtures.

Saturday’s game against Freiburg is a must- win for the champions, as they look to start afresh under Heynckes.

Bayern are still without first choice goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, and Franck Ribery is also out of action having picked up a knee injury against Hertha Berlin.

Nonetheless, Bayern’s record against Saturday’s opponents is reason for optimism. They have never lost at home to Freiburg, and have won all of their last 13 home games against them.

There are, however, defensive concerns for Peter Bosz’s side, with Raphael Guerreiro, Marcel Schmelzer, Erik Durm and Lukasz Piszczek all injured.

Victory for fourth placed Leipzig would see them narrow the gap between themselves and Dortmund to just three points.

Hoffenheim are hoping to bounce back from two consecutive defeats when they host fellow high flyers Augsburg on Saturday.