This will be a crucial week for underachieving Bayern and it all starts with a home game against Hamburg.

The Bavarians have slipped to fifth after losing to direct competitors for Champions League place Hannover and they are now in danger of missing on the place in the strongest European competition.

Even if the Champions League clash with Inter is due just three days later, Louis van Gaal’s side will have to give their best against Hamburg if they want to end the three-match losing run.

Louis van Gaal welcomes back Bastian Schweinsteiger after suspension, but now Breno is banned following the red card picked up against Hannover.

Anatoliy Tymoschuk should return to the centre of defence, while Luis Gustavo will play alongside Schweinsteiger in the centre of the park.

Hamburg are also underachieving this season and they desperately need points in order to remain in contention for the European places, so HSV will be looking to inflict more misery on Bayern.

Hamburg were beaten by Mainz last weekend despite twice taking the lead, with some shocking defensive mistakes costing them what would be very valuable points.

Boss Armin Veh will be without Joris Mathijsen through injury, meaning that Heiko Westermann and Gojko Kacar will form a defensive partnership, while Dennis Diekmeier is also sidelined. Guy Demel should be fit to play despite picking up a knock against Mainz.

Bayern are 1.57 (4/7) to win the game at 888Sport, although the odds don’t reflect the actual difference between the two sides. Hamburg are 2.50 (3/2) to win the game at Sportingbet.