The most important Bundesliga game this weekend takes place at the Allianz Arena, as league leaders Bayern Munich Welcome 8th place Stuttgart to Munich.
Bayern will be looking to get their title fight back on track after a slight dip in form before the international break.
Game preview
Bayern currently sit at the top of the table with 14 points from their first six games, but have drawn their last three games in all competitions, including a 3-3 thriller against Bayern Eintracht Frankfurt last time outside.
This run has seen them abandon their 100 per cent start to the season and will be aiming to get back to winning ways on home soil.
Despite the recent defeat, Bayern can still look back on an impressive home record: they have won 8, drawn 1 and have only lost 1 of their last 10 Bundesliga games at Allianz.
However, they have already conceded 7 league goals this season, which is uncharacteristic for a team that is usually so reliable defensively.
manager Vincent Kompany will look to strengthen the defense ahead of some crucial upcoming games.
Their opponent Stuttgart has had it a little more difficult so far this season. After finishing 5th last season, they are currently in 8th place with 9 points.
Sebastian Hoeness The team has drawn three of their six league games so far, including two consecutive draws before the international break.
However, the guests have a strong attacking threat as they have already scored 15 goals – the longest current goal streak in the Bundesliga.
striker Ermedin Demirovic has scored five of those goals, placing him second on the division’s top scorers list.
Stuttgart will draw confidence from the fact that they beat Bayern 3-1 the last time the two teams met in May. This win ended a run of three straight defeats against the perennial champions and they will be looking for another scalp this weekend. However, their away form has been patchy so far, winning only 1 out of 3 away from home.
Team news
Bayern will be sweating on the fitness of several key players. Top scorer Harry Kane has been without a goal for over 350 minutes Jamal Musiala is a doubt after I took a hit. Defensive duo Sacha Boey And Josip Stanisic also fall offside.
Meanwhile, Stuttgart has received a boost Deniz Undav declared fit for purpose after missing service in Germany. However, they have a number of long-term absentees including Chris Fuhrich, Luca Raimund And Dan Axel Zagadou.
forecast
Bayern may have stumbled of late, but they remain the dominant force in German football. Their quality and home advantage mean they should come out on top in this game, despite the threat posed by the visitors’ in-form attack.
- Result prediction: Bayern Munich 2:1 Stuttgart
Betting Tips:
- Match result: Bayern Munich
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5
- Both teams score: Yes