Bayern Munich host Stuttgart in final game of the Bundesliga season

Bayern Munich prepare to end their campaign in the Bundesliga with a home game against VFB Stuttgart.

The Bundesliga season is coming to its conclusion as the German clubs play their final game of the season this weekend. A lot is yet to be decided in the Bundesliga, as the top four race goes down to the wire. Bayern Munich, however, have little to play for other than pride, when they play their last home game of this season against VFB Stuttgart on Saturday.

Bayern have already clinched the title and this game is a mere formality for the German champions. However, they will be looking to end the Bundesliga campaign on a positive note and give Jupp Heynckes a good send-off. They would also like to build some momentum ahead of the DFB Pokal final next Saturday.

On the other hand, this game is crucial for VFB Stuttgart. They still have a slim chance of finishing in the top six if other results go in their favor. Stuttgart have struggled away from home, but they come into this game with three wins in their past five Bundesliga games.

Team News

Bayern Munich will have numerous absentees for their final home game. David Alaba and Arjen Robben are still struggling from knocks that they suffered against Real Madrid. The duo are unlikely to play against Stuttgart as Heynckes would want them to be fit for DFB Pokal final.

#Heynckes: "@ArjenRobben is having similar problems to before Madrid. He had to stop training yesterday, but feels much better today and trained individually. @David_Alaba is also suffering from the same complaints as before Real." #MiaSanMia #Jupp pic.twitter.com/lK5EpK2KsG
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) May 11, 2018

Heynckes also gave an update on the fitness of Kingsley Coman and Manuel Neuer. They are progressing well but the game on Saturday comes too soon for them. The German manager is confident that Neuer will be able to play in the World Cup. Arturo Vidal remains the long term absentee in the squad due to an injury he suffered last month.

Predicted XI

Heynckes is unlikely to rotate heavily in this game, as there is no midweek game and players will have ample amount of rest before the final. Sven Ulreich will continue in goal. The German has enjoyed a solid Bundesliga campaign in the absence of Neuer. Niklas Sule and Mats Hummels will form the center-back partnership. Rafinha and Joshua Kimmich are favorites to start in the left-back and right-back positions respectively.

Javi Martinez will probably start in the holding midfield role. Corentin Tolisso will partner the Spaniard in the center of the park. James Rodriguez is likely to feature further up the pitch as he will slot in the attacking midfield position. Thiago Alcantara is likely to get minutes from the bench.

In the attack, Bayern might tinker as they have limited options. Franck Evina might get another chance to impress on the left wing. The 17-year-old was handed his first professional contract at Bayern on Friday. Thomas Muller will slot in on the right side of attack, while Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the German Champions.

"UlreichKimmich-Sule-Hummels-RafinhaMartinez-TolissoMuller-James-EvinaLewandowski"

Opposition Focus

Stuttgart have enjoyed a decent campaign and they could make it a brilliant one if they clinch a European spot on the final day. They are likely to be more motivated than Bayern on Saturday. Stuttgart have been efficient in grinding out wins this season but have not scored a lot in the Bundesliga.

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Mario Gomez has been their key player in the attack. The former Bayern Munich striker has found the net nine times this season in the Bundesliga. Apart from him Daniel Ginczek is another forward who has been crucial for the visitors. Bayern will have to defend well on set-pieces as Stuttgart are a threat in such situations.

Prediction

Bayern Munich 4-0 VfB Stuttgart