Soccer / football

VfB Stuttgart Stuttgart started brightly against Hoffenheim, taking the lead in the ninth minute and creating plenty of chances, but their wastefulness in front of goal proved costly. Despite generating over two expected goals (xG), they were pegged back in the 74th minute when Gift Orban converted Hoffenheim’s only major opportunity. Defensive frailties have also been an issue, with Stuttgart failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five Bundesliga outings and conceding 12 goals across their previous seven matches in all competitions. Sebastian Hoeness may be equally concerned about his team’s struggles in attack, having scored one or fewer goals in six of their last seven games. However, with Stuttgart just three points off fourth-placed Freiburg, a Champions League spot remains within reach—though a tough schedule looms, with three of their next four fixtures coming against the Bundesliga’s current top three. Recent form has been inconsistent, with four defeats, one draw, and just two wins in their last seven matches. They have also suffered three losses in their last five Bundesliga games, securing just one victory in that period. Home advantage has offered little comfort, as Stuttgart have lost three of their last four matches at the MHPArena, including two of their previous three in front of their own fans. Team News Stuttgart have few injury concerns but will remain without striker El Bilal Toure and centre-back Dan-Axel Zagadou for Friday’s clash. Finn Jeltsch and Julian Chabot are expected to form the central defensive pairing ahead of goalkeeper Alexander Nubel, while Leonidas Stergiou and Maximilian Mittelstädt could occupy the full-back roles. Up front, Deniz Undav and Nick Woltemade have frequently partnered in a two-man attack and are likely to do so again as Stuttgart aim to break down Bayern’s formidable defense. Bayern Munich Bayern arrive in Stuttgart on the back of a dominant 4-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, where they created nine big chances while keeping their opponents from producing any. It was the 20th time this season the Bavarians have scored three or more goals in a match, and their Bundesliga-leading tally of 69 goals is at least 18 more than any other team. Head coach Vincent Kompany will also take pride in his side’s defensive improvement, with their third consecutive league clean sheet following a shaky spell where they conceded six across three games. Bayern dismantled Stuttgart 4-0 in October’s reverse fixture, with Harry Kane netting a second-half hat-trick, and while they have drawn two of their last three outings, they have won nine of their previous 10 matches. Their away form has seen some inconsistencies, with two losses and a draw in their last six trips, but they have only suffered one defeat in 11 Bundesliga away games, winning seven. Team News Bayern have few absentees, but they will be without centre-back Dayot Upamecano (back) and midfielder Joshua Kimmich (hamstring). Eric Dier is expected to partner Kim Min-jae in central defence, while Leon Goretzka and Aleksandar Pavlovic could form a midfield double pivot in the absence of Kimmich. Harry Kane is set to return after an injury layoff, while Jamal Musiala remains a doubt but could still make the starting XI. Tip Even if Stuttgart strike first, their recent struggles in front of goal suggest they may not create many opportunities to build on an early lead. Meanwhile, Bayern have been prolific in attack and strong away from home, making them clear favorites to claim all three points. Tip: Away win