This weekend’s marquee Bundesliga fixture takes place at the Allianz Arena, as league leaders Bayern Munich welcome 8th place Stuttgart to Munich.
The Bavarians will be looking to get their title challenge back on track after a slight dip in form heading into the international break.
Match Preview
Bayern currently sit top of the table with 14 points from their opening 6 games, but they have drawn their last 3 matches in all competitions, including a 3-3 thriller against Eintracht Frankfurt last time out.
This run has seen them relinquish their 100% start to the season, and they’ll be eager to return to winning ways on home turf.
Despite their recent stumble, Bayern still boast an impressive home record, having won 8, drawn 1 and lost just 1 of their last 10 Bundesliga games at the Allianz.
However, they have already conceded 7 league goals this term, which is uncharacteristic for a side that is usually so watertight defensively.
Manager Vincent Kompany will be looking to shore things up at the back ahead of some crucial upcoming fixtures.
Their opponents Stuttgart have found life a little tougher so far this campaign. After finishing 5th last season, they currently sit 8th with 9 points on the board.
Sebastian Hoeness’ side have drawn 3 of their 6 league games so far, including back-to-back stalemates heading into the international break.
The visitors do possess a potent attacking threat though, having found the net 15 times already – the joint-longest current scoring streak in the Bundesliga.
Striker Ermedin Demirovic has chipped in with 5 of those goals to sit joint-second in the division’s top scorers chart.
Stuttgart will take confidence from the fact they beat Bayern 3-1 when the two sides last met in May. That victory ended a run of 3 straight defeats against the perennial champions, and they’ll be eyeing another scalp this weekend. However, their away form has been patchy so far, winning just 1 of 3 on the road.
Team News
Bayern will be sweating on the fitness of several key players. Top scorer Harry Kane is without a goal in over 350 minutes of action, while Jamal Musiala is a doubt after picking up a knock. Defensive duo Sacha Boey and Josip Stanisic are also sidelined.
Stuttgart, meanwhile, have been handed a boost with Deniz Undav declared fit to feature after missing Germany duty. However, they have a number of long-term absentees including Chris Fuhrich, Luca Raimund and Dan-Axel Zagadou.
Prediction
Bayern may have stumbled of late, but they remain the dominant force in German football. Their quality and home advantage should see them edge this one, despite the threat posed by the visitors’ in-form attack.
- Score Prediction: Bayern Munich 2-1 Stuttgart
Betting Tips:
- Match Result: Bayern Munich
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5
- Both Teams to Score: Yes
