Bayern Munich launch their Bundesliga title defence on Friday evening when Stuttgart visit the Allianz Arena for the opening match of the 2026-27 campaign.

Vincent Kompany’s side swept aside all challengers last season to reclaim domestic supremacy, while Stuttgart will be aiming to build on another impressive campaign that secured Champions League qualification.

Verdict: Total home goals over 2.5

Best odds: 29/50

Bookmaker: 22bet

Bayern Munich

Bayern enter the new season carrying the momentum of a dominant title-winning campaign that underlined their status as Germany’s premier force. The Bavarians finished 16 points clear at the top of the table in 2025-26 and produced one of the most devastating attacking displays in Bundesliga history.

Led by Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz, Bayern scored a record-breaking 122 league goals last season, eclipsing the previous Bundesliga benchmark and overwhelming opponents with relentless attacking quality. While their defensive record was not quite as impressive, there was rarely any doubt about who the strongest team in Germany was.

Kompany’s side have already collected silverware this season after defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the German Super Cup, extending a remarkable run that has seen Bayern lose just once in their last 26 matches in all competitions.

The champions are also formidable at the Allianz Arena, where they have put together an extended unbeaten sequence and regularly overwhelmed visiting sides with their attacking intensity.

Team News

There is one significant absentee, with Jamal Musiala unavailable after it was revealed that he is currently dealing with a neurological disorder. The midfielder is not expected to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but he will miss Friday’s opener.

Nathaniel Brown could again operate in an advanced role after scoring in the Super Cup victory over Dortmund, while new signing Jonathan Tah is expected to continue alongside Kim Min-jae in central defence. Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic should provide stability in midfield behind Bayern’s array of attacking talent.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart exceeded expectations once again last season, securing Champions League qualification for the second time in three years and reinforcing their status as one of the Bundesliga’s most improved clubs.

Sebastian Hoeness deserves enormous credit for the transformation he has overseen, with Stuttgart combining attractive attacking football with impressive consistency throughout much of the previous campaign. Their tally of 71 league goals was bettered only by Bayern, demonstrating their ability to trouble even the strongest opponents.

However, recent meetings with the champions offer little encouragement. Stuttgart have lost each of their last six encounters with Bayern, including a 3-0 defeat in the DFB-Pokal final in May.

There were positive signs in the DFB-Pokal last week, as Stuttgart brushed aside Hansa Rostock with a comfortable 4-0 victory. Importantly, that result ended a run of seven matches without a clean sheet and may provide a timely confidence boost before the daunting trip to Munich.

Away form remains a concern, though. Stuttgart struggled for consistency on their travels at the end of last season and now face one of the most difficult assignments in European football against a Bayern side that rarely drops points at home.

Hoeness will take confidence from the attacking quality at his disposal, but finding a way to contain Bayern’s forward line may ultimately decide the outcome of the contest.

Team News

Stuttgart’s absence list might stretch to seven names, including January signing Jeremy Arevalo, who predominantly plays as a striker.

Lucky for the visitors, they have Deniz Undav in their squad, and the Germany international should be deployed in support to central attacker Dzenan Pejcinovic.

Key Factors to Consider

  • Bayern Munich finished 16 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga last season.
  • The champions scored a record 122 league goals during the 2025-26 campaign.
  • Stuttgart secured Champions League qualification after another impressive season under Sebastian Hoeness.
  • Bayern have won each of the last six meetings between the clubs.
  • Jamal Musiala is unavailable for the hosts.
  • Stuttgart’s away form tailed off towards the end of last season.

Conclusion

Stuttgart are one of the strongest sides outside the Bundesliga’s traditional elite and possess enough attacking quality to ask questions of Bayern. However, their recent record against the champions highlights the scale of the challenge they face.

Bayern have already shown sharpness by lifting the German Super Cup and appear determined to begin their title defence with another statement performance. Even without Musiala, the champions possess extraordinary firepower throughout the pitch.

While Stuttgart should remain competitive for periods, Bayern Munich are backed to start the new Bundesliga season with an emphatic victory at the Allianz Arena.

Verdict: Total home goals over 2.5

Best odds: 29/50

Bookmaker: 22bet

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