After losing their German championship title last season for the first time in 12 years, Bayern Munich is on a mission to reclaim the Meisterschale.
Under new leadership with Vincent Kompany replacing Thomas Tuchel, the Bavarians kicked off the season with four straight victories, including a commanding 5-0 win against Werder Bremen.
However, they faltered slightly by drawing 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen and conceding a late equalizer to Eintracht Frankfurt in a 3-3 tie before the international break.
Despite these stumbles, Bayern still holds the top spot in the standings, tied with Leipzig. Their Champions League campaign also started strong with a 9-2 demolition of Dinamo Zagreb, though they suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on matchday two.
On the other hand, Stuttgart finished second last season, earning a spot in the Champions League, where they have had a shaky start. They lost 3-1 to Real Madrid and were held to a 1-1 draw by Sparta Prague.
In the Bundesliga, Stuttgart’s performance has been less dominant than last season, currently sitting in 8th place. After wins over Borussia Mönchengladbach (3-1) and Borussia Dortmund (5-1), they dropped points in draws against Wolfsburg (2-2) and Hoffenheim (1-1).
Bayern Munich continues to deal with a lengthy injury list, missing key players like summer signing Ito, Stanisic, right-back Sacha Boey, Musiala (3 goals), French defender Upamecano, and youngster Tel.
However, they can still rely on their prolific English striker Harry Kane, who has been in top form with 5 goals and 4 assists in the Bundesliga, along with 4 goals in the Champions League. Supporting Kane in attack could be German international Serge Gnabry (2 goals, 2 assists) and France’s Michael Olise (4 goals, 2 assists).
For Stuttgart, they will be without long-term absentees Stergiou and Nartey, summer signing Al Dakhil (ill), and backup player Diehl. Additionally, French defender Zagadou will miss this crucial fixture.
On the positive side, midfielder Karazor returns from suspension. Stuttgart’s attack will likely be led by summer recruit Demirovic, who scored his 5th goal of the season in the draw against Hoffenheim, ahead of the in-form Undav (4 goals) and young Frenchman Millot (3 goals).
Prediction
Bayern Munich has been formidable at home, winning 10 of their last 13 matches at the Allianz Arena.
Meanwhile, Stuttgart has struggled on the road, suffering seven defeats in their last 13 away games. Expect Bayern to take full advantage of their home turf.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 4-1 Stuttgart
