Bayern Munich: Three things to watch for as Stuttgart visit Allianz Arena

Bayern Munich returns to action in the Bundesliga after defeating Lazio mid-week in the UEFA Champions League. They will host an in-form Stuttgart side who have been moving up the table in recent weeks.

After defeating Stuttgart 3-1 in their first meeting of the season, Bayern will be looking for a similar result to hold onto their four-point advantage at the top. Here are three things to watch for ahead of Saturday’s match.

Battle of the strikers

This fixture will feature two strikers who are in spectacular form. Bayern’s Robert Lewandowski has scored eight goals in his last six appearances while Stuttgart’s Sasa Kaladjzic has scored seven goals in his last six appearances. It’s going to be an enticing match to watch due to the number of goals these two players have been scoring lately.

Kaladjzic played just 15 minutes when these two clubs first met in November but he should be in the starting 11 on Saturday. Stuttgart has earned at least a point in nine of the 11 matches he’s scored in this season. For this reason, Bayern will have to ensure they mark the Austrian international when he’s in the penalty area as he is very much an aerial threat.

Lewandowski will be looking to increase his season goal total as he needs just nine more goals to set a new single-season record in the Bundesliga. The Polish striker scored a goal in November against Stuttgart in Bayern’s victory on Matchday Nine. He’s registered a total of 16 shots in his last two Bundesliga appearances and there should be more scoring opportunities against Stuttgart. However, will he be able to outscore the in-form Kaladjzic? That will be one of the storylines to watch in this match.

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Undefeated streaks on the line

Stuttgart has not suffered a defeat in their last five Bundesliga matches while Bayern has won their last three fixtures since falling to Eintracht Frankfurt. Expect Stuttgart to enter this match ready to defend their undefeated streak as they have entered the race for the Europa League places.

Stuttgart is having a terrific season for a newly promoted club and a victory against Bayern would be a massive result for them. For Bayern, another victory would put them into a good position ahead of their big match against RB Leipzig on Matchday 27. A loss to Stuttgart has the potential to give Leipzig an opportunity to take control of the top spot in the Bundesliga with a victory against Bayern.

Will Gnabry and Goretzka continue their goal involvement?

Serge Gnabry and Leon Goretzka have been in terrific form during Bayern’s three-match winning streak. Gnabry has scored three goals in his last three Bundesliga matches and is refinding his goal-scoring form in the second half of the campaign.

Goretzka has registered three assists and two goals in his last three league appearances. Both of these players have had an impact on Die Roten’s recent results and this match will offer them the opportunity to continue their good form.