Bayern Munich travel to Stuttgart on Friday as they begin a crucial two-week stretch that could shape their season.
Vincent Kompany’s side have responded strongly after being dethroned by Bayer Leverkusen last season, suffering just one Bundesliga defeat so far. With 11 matches remaining, Bayern hold an eight-point lead over their rivals, but with a Champions League last-16 showdown against Leverkusen looming, any slip-up in Stuttgart could provide encouragement for their challengers.
Stuttgart, currently battling for a top-four finish, have proven to be tricky opponents for Bayern, securing a win and two draws in their last six encounters. Adding to the intrigue is Stuttgart’s manager, Sebastian Hoeness—Uli Hoeness’ nephew—who has masterminded the club’s resurgence since taking over in April 2023.
Last season, Stuttgart stunned Bayern 3-1 at home en route to finishing ahead of them in second place. This campaign, despite losing key players like Serhou Guirassy and Waldemar Anton to Dortmund, and Hiroki Ito to Bayern, Hoeness has once again built a competitive squad.
Much of Stuttgart’s attacking firepower now comes from Nick Woltemade, a towering 1.98m (6ft 6in) forward who has flourished after being repositioned as a striker. With eight goals in his last 14 league appearances, the 23-year-old has drawn comparisons to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and even Lionel Messi, earning him the nickname “the two-metre Messi.”
Elsewhere, Leverkusen face a tough trip to third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt, who have struggled since losing Omar Marmoush to Manchester City, winning just two of their last six matches.
