Bayern resume bid for fourth straight league title

BERLIN – League leaders Bayern Munich are looking for a winning start to the year at Hamburg SV tonight as the Bundesliga resumes after the Christmas break, and coach Pep Guardiola starts his farewell tour that he hopes will end with more silverware.

The Bavarians, eight points clear at the top of the table, are eyeing a record fourth consecutive German league title – a third under Spaniard Guardiola, who will leave at the end of the season after three years to join an English Premier League club.

“We all want to go towards the same direction together and then hopefully celebrate titles together,” Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski said.

Bayern are the overwhelming favourites for the league title once more this season, but it is still unclear what effect Guardiola’s decision may have on their performances.

“Eight points are not a lot because if we lose then it is just five points [to second-placed Borussia Dortmund] and you can only make a few more such mistakes,” Lewandowski said.

Bayern are on 46 points with Dortmund, who are travelling to fourth-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach tomorrow, on 38.

Hamburg could be without top striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga and central defender Johan Djourou, with both racing against time to overcome injuries.

Surprise package Hertha Berlin, in third place on 32 points, six off Dortmund, entertain Augsburg. –