Bayern Munich have enjoyed a terrific couple of weeks as they sealed their spot in the Champions League semi-final by clinching a 4-3 win against Real Madrid on Wednesday. They won the tie on an aggregate score of 6-4. Bayern have won all four games since the end of the international games, two of these wins coming in the Bundesliga against St. Pauli and Freiburg.
The Bavarian club can effectively seal the Bundesliga title with a win against Stuttgart at Allianz Arena on Sunday. Die Roten have a lead of 12 points at the top of the Bundesliga table with five league games to go.
Meanwhile, Stuttgart are looking to cement their place in the top four. They are currently third in the points table, ahead of fourth-placed RB Leipzig due to a superior goal difference. Stuttgart can set the tone for the final stretch of the season with a win at Allianz Arena on Sunday.
Team News
Lennart Karl, Sven Ulreich, and Tom Bischof will not be available for selection against Stuttgart as they continue their recovery from respective injuries. Bischof suffered a small muscle fibre tear in his left calf before the game against Real Madrid. Karl is expected to return to action at the end of April after recovering from a hamstring strain. Ulreich has started training on the pitch, so his return to the matchday squad could happen soon.
Josip Stanisic has recovered from the minor injury he suffered against Real Madrid on Wednesday. The Croatian defender will be part of the matchday squad against VfB Stuttgart.
Predicted Starting XI
Considering the high intensity of the midweek game against Real Madrid and the upcoming DFB Pokal clash against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, Vincent Kompany will look to make changes in the starting XI. Manuel Neuer had a mixed game against Real Madrid, but it is crucial for him to get consistent playing time to maintain rhythm. He is expected to start in the goal against Stuttgart.
Kim Min-jae will start alongside Hiroki Ito in the heart of defense, giving much-needed rest to the center-back pairing of Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah. Alphonso Davies will get his first start since returning from injury in the left-back position, while Konrad Laimer will slot in the right-back position.
Leon Goretzka is expected to get a start in the midfield against Stuttgart. The German midfielder will play alongside Joshua Kimmich in the center of the park.
Jamal Musiala looked impressive against Real Madrid after coming off the bench in the second half. He will get a start on Sunday to build on the performance against Real Madrid. Raphael Guerreiro will start on the left flank. Nicolas Jackson will lead the attack with Michael Olise playing on the right side of the front four.
Bayern’s Predicted XI: Neuer; Davies, Kim Min-jae, Ito, Laimer; Kimmich, Goretzka; Guerreiro, Musiala, Olise; Jackson
Score Prediction
Bayern Munich 3-1 VfB Stuttgart
Bayern are enjoying sensational form in the Bundesliga, scoring goals at will. Despite heavy rotation, Die Roten will come all guns blazing against Stuttgart. The visitors have won three of their last four league games, but it will still be a big surprise if Bayern don’t extend their good home form on Sunday.
Add us as a preferred source on Google