Prediction: Bayern Munich vs Stuttgart

Verdict: Over 1.5 first half goals

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Two sides who find themselves battling it out at the top of the Bundesliga table, Bayern Munich will welcome Stuttgart to the Allianz on Sunday evening.

Bayern Munich

Starting with the hosts, laying down another Champions League marker earlier in the week as they secured a 1-0 victory away at English giants Manchester United, Bayern Munich find themselves tipped as a genuine European contender in the New Year. While Thomas Tuchel’s men might have been left stunned last weekend as they slumped to a 5-1 drumming at the hands of Eintracht Frankfurt, the former Chelsea boss should still find the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Despite facing a real battle in their bid to make more Bundesliga history this season, Bayern have continued to gain a fearsome reputation for their success on home soil. Along with signing off October with a famous 8-0 romp against Darmstadt, Sunday’s hosts have collected 19 points from their previous seven showdowns at the Allianz across all competitions. Likewise, unbeaten in all of their last eight meetings against Stuttgart – a run that stems back to May 2018 – Tuchel’s side will know the importance of making a domestic statement here.

Team News

Dealing with a long-term knee injury and not expected to feature for the remainder of the season, Bayern Munich will once again be without the services of Dutch defender Matthijs del List here. Likewise, missing out away at Manchester United earlier in the week, Tuchel’s side are once again sweating over the fitness of Serge Gnabry.

Continuing to break a string of Bundesliga records since completing a blockbuster move from Tottenham, England skipper Harry Kane will spearhead Bayern’s charge on Sunday evening. Despite failing to find the net since the end of October, Leroy Sane will once again partner Kane in attack.

Stuttgart

As for the visitors, while Stuttgart might have found themselves at the heart of a Bundesliga relegation scrap last season, the Reds have quickly transformed into one of Europe’s surprise packages. In the midst of what has been a history-making flurry this time around, Sebastian Hoeneß’s high-flying squad now have a stunning Champions League finish at the top of their agenda. Mustering 31 points from their first 14 top-flight appearances and riding a remarkable wave of momentum, Stuttgart have also continued to shine with their performances on the road. Last seen away from the MHPArena clinching a 2-1 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt, Sunday’s guests have won four of their previous five Bundesliga showdowns outside of Baden-Wurttemberg. Despite failing to clinch a single win against the defending champions since May 2018, Stuttgart will be desperate to make another heavyweight statement.

Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, Stuttgart will be without the likes of Nikolas Nartey, Roberto Massimo, Hiroki Ito and Lilian Egloff on Sunday evening. Likewise, sustaining a facial injury last month, 18-year-old Luca Raimund is not expected to feature here.

Enjoying a stunning Bundesliga romp this season and notching 16 strikes in his first 12 appearances, attacking talisman Serhou Guirassy will lead Hoeneß’s charge this weekend. Forming what has been a stellar free-scoring purple patch, ex-Brighton striker Deniz Undav will partner Guirassy in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Bayern Munich and Stuttgart last met back on March 4th, the reigning Bundesliga champions picked up a 2-1 victory at the MHPArena.
• Likewise, Tuchel’s side are unbeaten in each of their previous eight showdowns against Sunday’s guests.
• Bayern Munich have collected 19 points from their previous seven home fixtures across all competitions.
• Stuttgart have won four of their previous five domestic showdowns away from the MHPArena.
• The last eight meetings between Bayern Munich and Stuttgart have produced 37 goals.

Conclusion

Two sides scrapping it out at the top of the Bundesliga table, neutrals could be treated to a thrilling affair on Sunday evening. In a contest that famously produces an abundance of chances at both ends of the pitch, chances should come thick and fast at the Allianz this weekend. It should be noted, with Bayern and Stuttgart seeing their last eight showdowns produce a remarkable 37 goals, we are predicting another action-packed contest in Munich.

Verdict: Over 1.5 first half goals

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet