Overview
After the defeat to Monchengladbach in early February 2025, Stuttgart have returned in time by winning a ticket to the semi-finals of the German Cup. In addition, they have won 2 consecutive Bundesliga matches. With 36 points in hand and only 3 points behind 4th place, Stuttgart is still capable of competing for a place in the Champions League next season.
However, Stuttgart will not easily complete this goal in the rest of the season. Except for the away trip to Holstein Kiel, Stuttgart's remaining 3 opponents in March were Bayern Munich, Leverkusen and Frankfurt. The reception of Bayern Munich will have a huge impact on Stuttgart's score and spirit in the upcoming important journey.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich temporarily forgot their two consecutive draws against Leverkusen and Celtic by winning Frankfurt 4-0. This victory is also an affirmation of the strength of the "Gray Tigers" as the number 1 candidate for the Bundesliga championship this season.
In addition, coach Vincent Kompany's team is also in need of the best preparation to enter March, with 5 matches in just 15 days. With a better force, Bayern Munich can completely win against Stuttgart, before returning home to welcome Leverkusen in the Champions League.
Stuttgart fans do not have much reason to be happy after the matches against Bayern in recent years, the only exception being the 3-1 victory last year. Bayern have won 7 of their last 10 matches against Stuttgart, including a 4-0 victory in the first leg.
Personnel situation
Stuttgart are still without the services of striker El Bilal Toure and centre-back Dan-Axel Zagadou. Finn Jeltsch and Julian Chabot could be deployed ahead of goalkeeper Alexander Nubel, while Leonidas Stergiou and Maximilian Mittelstadt will feature on the wings.
On the other side of the front line, Bayern Munich is without Dayot Upamecano and Joshua Kimmich. Eric Dier is almost certain to pair up as a centre-back with Kim Min-jae, while Leon Goretzka and Aleksandar Pavlovic will start as a holding midfielder.
Expected lineup:
Stuttgart: Nubel, Stergiou, Jeltsch, Chabot, Mittelstadt, Leweling, Karazor, Stiller, Fuhrich, Undav, Woltemade.
Bayern Munich: Neuer, Laimer, Dier, Kim Min-jae, Davies, Goretzka, Pavlovic, Olise, Musiala, Sane, Kane.
The match between Stuttgart and Bayern Munich takes place at 1:30 am on January 1 (Vietnam time).
