Bayern Munich VS Stuttgart

Similar to the previous season when Borussia Dortmund posed a formidable challenge to Bayern Munich for the title, it seems that the Bavarian side will encounter a comparable competition this time around. Despite being four points behind, Bayern has a game in hand due to the postponement of their clash with Union Berlin two weeks ago. However, given their recent shaky form, they might prefer to play that postponed game after the winter break.Following a narrow victory over Galatasaray with two late goals, Bayern faced a close call at home against Heidenheim, drawing 2-2 before securing a late win again. A slim 1-0 win against Koln was followed by a home draw against Copenhagen, and then a notable defeat to Eintracht. Although Tuchel's side convincingly topped their Champions League group with a victory over Manchester United on Tuesday, the upcoming match against Stuttgart is expected to be a more challenging test than their midweek encounter in Manchester.

Stuttgart finds themselves trailing Bayer Leverkusen by five points, making a title win improbable, especially with Bayern Munich also in the race and demonstrating their usual dominance. However, Die Schwaben have a significant opportunity to secure a spot in the top four. Their last title came in 2007, and while clinching the championship may be challenging, a return to the Champions League is a realistic goal. Stuttgart hasn't qualified for the Champions League since the 2008-09 season, but sitting six points above Dortmund in fifth position gives them a strong chance, particularly with the Bundesliga potentially earning a fifth place in the revamped format for the next season.Under Sebastian Hoeness's management, Stuttgart has experienced setbacks in emphatic fashion only three times. They will aim to avoid a recurrence of such defeats, recognizing that they are still considered significant underdogs in certain matchups. Of their two away defeats so far, one came against newly-promoted Heidenheim and the other against RB Leipzig, who defeated them 5-1. Additionally, they suffered a home defeat to Hoffenheim despite generating an expected goals (xG) of 3.6.