Bayern Munich will take on Stuttgart in the Bundesliga this weekend in what already feels like an important match for Vincent Kompany and his side.
While Bayern are currently top of the pile in the Bundesliga, they have so far failed to come out on top in any of their biggest matches this season so getting over the line on Saturday feels important.
Stuttgart aren't enjoying the success they had last season yet but they should still be tricky customers at the weekend as they have only lost once so far this campaign.
How the bookies view it: Bayern start as heavy favourites
There aren't many matches that Bayern Munich go into as the underdogs but their short odds for this one are a little surprising given that they finished below Stuttgart last season. Betfred have priced a home win at 1/3 while a win for Stuttgart has been priced at 7/1. The draw, which would be Stuttgart's fourth of the season, has been priced at 9/2.
Recent head-to-head: Advantage Bayern
Bayern Munich have a good recent record against Stuttgart and have won seven of their last ten matches against them. However, it isn't all doom and gloom for Stuttgart as they came out on top in the most recent clash between the two sides, defeating Bayern 3-1 in May. The psychological edge from that encounter could play a key role on Saturday.
Players to watch: Can Kane score when it matters?
Harry Kane has unquestionably done very well for Bayern Munich since signing for the club last summer but after a disappointing Euros for England, questions about whether the forward is now past his best have started to be asked.
While Kane is already on a healthy goal tally this season (five league goals in six appearances), he has failed to score in any of Bayern's last three matches. These were all tough fixtures (Leverkusen at home, Aston Villa away and Frankfurt away) and his failure to make an impact on these games has fueled the theory that he is a flat-track bully.
If the England skipper is to finally get his hands on some silverware this season then he will perhaps need to start taking action into his own hands and winning important matches on his own. There is no better time for him to start doing that than this weekend.
Predicted line-ups
The biggest news out of the Bayern Munich camp ahead of this one is that Jamal Musiala will play no part due to a hip problem. Stuttgart have injury concerns of their own but striker, Deniz Undav, should win his race to be fit. The likes of Chris Fuhrich and Luca Raimund won't be so fortunate.
Bayern Munich: Neuer – Kimmich, Dier, Kim, Davies – Palhinha, Pavlovic – Gnabry, Muller, Olise – Kane
Stuttgart: Nubel – Stenzel, Rouault, Chabot, Mittelstadt – Stiller, Karazor – Millot, Undav, Leweling – Demirovic
Anything else catch the eye?
Bayern Munich have scored three or more goals in six of the nine competitive matches they've played so far this season. In front of their home crowd on Saturday, they are priced at 5/6 with Betfred to score over 2.5 goals.
This German Bundesliga match between Bayern Munich and Stuttgart will be played on Oct 19, 2024 and kick off at 17:30. Check below for our tipsters best Bayern Munich vs Stuttgart prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
