Bayern Munich vs VfB Stuttgart: Bundesliga Matchday 15 Preview
Bayern Munich return to Bundesliga action this weekend following their midweek encounter at Old Trafford where they defeated a struggling Manchester United side. Kingsley Coman's second-half goal was all Bayern Munich needed as they saw off the English side 1-0 in the final matchday of the Champions League group stage. Bayern will await the knockout round draw to see who they will face next.
Thomas Tuchel will be looking for a much different result this time in the Bundesliga than what his side experienced last weekend. Despite dominating possession, the Bavarians were completely embarrassed on their trip to Frankfurt, as the home side dismantled Bayern Munich to win 5-1. Joshua Kimmich thought he had given Bayern hope of getting back in the game by scoring a goal at the end of the first half, but a goal from Frankfurt just five minutes after the break would remove any doubt of a Bayern Munich comeback.
For the second straight week, Die Roten will face a team managed by a former employee of the club, as Sebastian Hoeness, who managed Bayern Munich II from 2019-20, has Stuttgart sitting 3rd in the Bundesliga table and poised to qualify for one of the lucrative Champions League spots. Meanwhile, Tuchel will be looking to continue the chase to catch Leverkusen, but with a couple of injuries in the midweek game against Manchester United, we will certainly see some changes in the lineup.
Bayern Munich
Manuel Neuer conceded a season-high five goals against Frankfurt. With a high-scoring Stuttgart team coming to Munich on Saturday, Neuer will be hoping for a better showing as he gets the start in goal.
Noussair Mazraoui was substituted on Tuesday at half-time due to an injury. The Moroccan defender will most likely miss the AFCON as he is set to be on the sidelines for four to six weeks. This opens the door for Konrad Laimer to get an extended run in the right-back role. Centrally, Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae had a strong showing midweek against Manchester United and they will look to contain the dangerous Serhou Guirassy. Alphonso Davies will get the start on the left as talk of extending his stay in Munich continues.
With Konrad Laimer set for a run at right back, the double pivot of Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich seems to be a sure bet on Sunday. Jamal Musiala made his return to the starting XI on Tuesday in Manchester and showed why he is considered one of the best young players in the world. The Bavarian faithful will get the pleasure of seeing him start again on Sunday.
After scoring the winner on Tuesday, Kingsley Coman exited the Old Trafford pitch early due to an injury. He is set to be out for rest of the 2023. With Serge Gnabry also missing time due to injury, it looks like the 18-year-old Mathys Tel could be in line for a start on Sunday. Opposite Tel, Leroy Sane will give the Stuttgart defense issues with his pace and movement. Harry Kane will look to prove he is the top-scoring center forward in the Bundesliga as he goes head-to-head with Guirassy.
Bayern Munich Predicted Starting XI
Neuer
Laimer-Upamecano-Kim-Davies
Kimmich-Goretzka
Sane-Musiala-Tel
Kane