Bayern Munich vs VFB Stuttgart preview
For the first time in years, the Bundesliga is shaping up to be very competitive. With record champions Bayern Munich operating far from their best and VFB Stuttgart and Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen in top form, the German league is offering some entertaining clashes this season.
Last week’s 5-1 thrashing of Bayern at the hands of Eintracht Frankfurt has only exposed more chink in the champions’ armour. And it is under these circumstances that VFB Stuttgart will travel to Allianz Arena in hopes of inflicting more damage on Bayern’s campaign.
Both teams are separated by one point in the table. On top of that, both teams trail Leverkusen and will not want to lose ground in the title race further. Bayern Munich have shown that at their best, they are the best in Europe; however, at their worst, even an average attack can rip them to shreds.
With Champions League qualification secured, Bayern has the luxury of focusing on the league until mid-February. Bayern haven’t been poor, with the loss against Frankfurt being their first of the season, but the high standards Bayer Leverkusen set means that the Bavarians can not afford slip-ups, especially with two games left before the winter break.
However, Stuttgart are no easy opponent and has already beaten Borussia Dortmund and Frankfurt and drawn with Bayer Leverkusen. Serhou Guirassy has been their main man for goals,, with 16 strikes to his name, second only to Harry Kane in the league.
In attack, Guirassy has been ably supported by Chris Fuhrich, Deniz Undav and Enzo Millot. Fuhrich, in particular, has been the team’s creative force with five assists and a score of 1.07 on Expected Threat (xT) from carries, with only Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman faring better.
Bayern Munich vs VFB Stuttgart lineups
Bayern Munich lineup
Bayern Munich ended their Champions League group stage campaign in style by beating Manchester United at Old Trafford. However, they didn’t come away unscathed, as Kingsley Coman and Noussair Mazraoui suffered injuries. Bayern have confirmed that the duo will miss the clash against Stuttgart.
The duo’s loss is a blow for Tuchel, but his squad has a profound depth that can cover their absence. The return of Manuel Neuer has come as a huge relief. With both Matthijs de Ligt and Mazraoui not fit, Alphonso Davies, Min Jae Kim, Dayot Upamecano and Konrad Laimar will form the backline: Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka behind the attacking trio…
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