Stuttgart vs. Bayern preview: A top of the table battle
| Photo: Jeollo, VfB-exklusiv.de, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
Stuttgart
Stuttgart impressively drew to Leverkusen last weekend and are now officially qualified for the Champions League. With a win in this weekend's 2nd vs. 3rd-place matchup, VfB will be within distance to do the unthinkable and potentially jump the record champions to finish the season.
Angelo Stiller should return to his place in starting midfield following his suspension. Jamie Leweling has really been playing well and should again start on the right wing with Leonidas Stergiou at right-back.
Sebastian Hoeneß said, “It's unbelievable that we're going to be playing in the Champions League. It's something very special, but we want to get at least three more points and secure fourth place. So that we can say we've achieved it in our own right.“
Team News
Nikolas Nartey, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Josha Vagnoman, Lilian Egloff and Roberto Massimo are out. Maximilian Mittelstädt and Enzo Millot are both suspended with yellow cards.
Bayern
Bayern are coming off a tense midweek draw to Real Madrid and must avoid looking ahead to the second leg next week. They’ve won their last three league games in a row including a narrow win over Frankfurt on Matchday 31.
Thomas Tuchel could change the lineup significantly this weekend including a start for Alphonso Davies. Aleksander Pavlovic should return into midfield, while the likes of Serge Gnabry, Eric Choupo-Moting and Mathys Tel could also receive starts.
When asked about potentially rotating players, Tuchel said, "We'll give a few players the chance to pick up some rhythm. But, that doesn't relieve us of our responsibility, that those who play have to fight and show grit there. We're expecting an emotional match in an emotional stadium."
Team News
Matthijs de Ligt won’t be in the squad in hopes that he’ll be ready for Wednesday’s huge contest. Jamal Musiala isn't playing, but should be back in training on Sunday.
Leroy Sane will likely start on the bench, while Dayot Upamecano is questionable. Kingsley Coman, Tarek Buchmann and Bouna Sarr remain out.
