Bayern Munich vs Stuttgart: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview

The reigning champions are set to kick off the new Bundesliga campaign by hosting Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena. Both sides arrive with momentum: Vincent Kompany's men lifted the German Supercup, while the Swabians cruised through the opening round of the DFB-Pokal. The question is whether Munich can begin their title defense with a full haul of three points.

A First Trophy of the Season

Bayern's summer began inauspiciously, with a 1:2 friendly defeat to Wehen Wiesbaden. However, that result came with an average starting XI age of just 17.6 years, as most first-team regulars were still on post-World Cup holidays. Once the internationals returned, the picture transformed dramatically — five consecutive victories followed, with the most telling performances coming in the final three friendlies against Aston Villa (2:1), RB Leipzig (3:1), and Heidenheim (4:2). During the closing stretch of preseason, Kompany gave minutes to new signings Nathaniel Brown and Michael Olise, while also reintegrating those who had the longest breaks after the World Cup: Dayot Upamecano, Olise, and Harry Kane.

The first competitive outing of the season, the German Supercup against Borussia Dortmund, demonstrated Bayern's sharp readiness. The Munich side dominated their hosts — 10:3 in shots on target and an expected goals tally of 2.36 against Dortmund's 1.65 — and eventually secured a 2:1 victory, claiming their first silverware of the new campaign.

One of the standout figures in both friendlies and the Supercup has been newcomer Nathaniel Brown. His versatility proved crucial when Kompany needed to cover for the injured Jamal Musiala against Dortmund — Brown slotted into the number ten role and got on the scoresheet. He also impressed with a solo goal in Heidenheim and found the net against Leipzig. For the Stuttgart clash, Kompany might deploy him in his more natural position on the left side of defense. With Musiala, Serge Gnabry, and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge out, the attacking depth behind Kane could feature either Bischof or Olise.

Squad Concerns

Unlike Bayern, Stuttgart's core group enjoyed more time training together during the summer. In the final friendlies, Sebastian Hoeneß specifically worked on the combinations he intends to use at the start of the season. Against Everton, the coach fielded nearly his entire first-choice lineup, which secured a 3:1 win. The Fulham match was a different story — played in London a week after the training camp, the squad was split into two teams for two matches on the same day. That was more of a fitness test for an intense fixture than an attempt to get a result. Ultimately, the starting eleven lost 0:1, and Hoeneß afterward pointed out issues in defensive work and a lack of quality in possession.

Stuttgart's competitive season began with a resounding 4:0 cup victory in Rostock against Hansa. The hero was new signing Pejčinović, who netted a hat-trick. Hoeneß noted that the club fought hard to sign him in the summer, and now the Swabians boast a far deeper attacking line than a year ago — alongside the newcomer are Undav, Demirović, Tomaš, Leweling, and Führich.

However, the squad situation ahead of the Bayern match is far from ideal. Young goalkeeper Seimen was expected to become the new number one after his loan at Paderborn, but a hamstring injury will keep him sidelined until early October. Experienced Bredlow therefore starts in goal. Midfielder Narti suffered a similar injury, leaving the pitch as early as the 9th minute against Hansa and facing several weeks out. Führich, still recovering from fitness issues, has been training individually and his availability for Friday remains uncertain.

Predicted Lineups

Bayern Munich (4-5-1): Neuer – Laimer, Tah, Kim, Brown – Kimmich, Pavlović, Olise, Bischof, Díaz – Kane

Unavailable: Musiala, Gnabry, Zaragoza (all injured), Karl (doubtful)

Head coach: Vincent Kompany

Stuttgart (4-5-1): Bredlow – Vagnoman, Jeltsch, Chabot, Mittelstädt – Prömel, Stiller, Tomaš, Undav, Leweling – Pejčinović

Unavailable: Zagadou, Assignon, Hakes, Seimen, Sauer, Narti, Diehl, Arévalo (all injured), Führich (doubtful)

Head coach: Sebastian Hoeneß

Referee: Sören Storks

The official is known for his strictness: in his last 20 Bundesliga matches, Storks has averaged 4.75 yellow cards per game and has sent players off seven times. However, he does not stop play excessively, calling an average of just over 20 fouls per match.

Prediction and Bet

Bayern have navigated their preseason with confidence and began the new season by defeating Borussia Dortmund in the Supercup — and doing so on their opponent's turf. The opening home fixture in the Bundesliga is unlikely to pose a serious challenge, especially given their home record: in six of their last seven league matches at the Allianz Arena, they have won, and in five of those, by more than a single goal. Stuttgart, meanwhile, have struggled at this venue, losing their last six visits, with five of those defeats coming by at least two goals. A bet on Bayern to win with a handicap of (-1.5) at odds of 1.67 looks like the logical choice.

As for goals, this fixture has the makings of a high-scoring affair. Bayern were prolific throughout the summer, scored twice in the Supercup, and in their previous seven home Bundesliga matches have always netted at least three times. Even without Musiala, Gnabry, and Karl, their attacking firepower remains formidable, while Stuttgart's defense is further weakened by injuries to Zagadou, Assignon, and Hakes. Yet the visitors are unlikely to sit back — Undav and Pejčinović, who scored a hat-trick on his debut, give them genuine threat going forward. Therefore, a bet on over 3.5 goals at odds of 1.55 also holds considerable appeal.