Bayern’s Bold Rotations Set the Stage for a High-Stakes Clash in Stuttgart
So, let me walk you through what’s happening today as VfB Stuttgart hosts Bayern Munich in a hugely anticipated Bundesliga showdown. Kickoff has been set for 15:30 in a completely sold-out MHPArena, and the atmosphere around this match has already been stirred up by some surprising decisions made by Bayern coach Vincent Kompany.
First off, the big headline arrived even before a ball was kicked: Harry Kane, Bayern’s superstar and the league’s top scorer, has been placed on the bench. Instead, Nicolas Jackson starts up front. That alone would’ve been enough to raise eyebrows, but Kompany added an even bigger twist. Manuel Neuer, the eternal No. 1, has been rested, meaning young keeper Jonas Urbig gets the nod. Kompany explained that the packed schedule — three games in six days — made squad rotation necessary. He emphasized that Urbig has never let the team down and that this was the right moment to give him minutes. Neuer was informed beforehand, and Kompany made it clear things will return to normal afterward.
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In total, six changes have been made compared to Bayern’s recent Pokal win over Union Berlin. Kim, Guerreiro, Bischof, and Goretzka also return to the lineup, while Tah, Stanisic, Pavlovic, and Karl step out. It’s a bold shuffle, and Kompany seems confident that this depth will carry Bayern through a demanding stretch.
On the Stuttgart side, coach Sebastian Hoeneß enters this match with solid home form behind him — five straight home league wins, something the club hadn’t achieved since the early ’90s. His team sheet is stable, featuring Nübel in goal and Undav leading the attack. And speaking of Undav, he’s been on fire. He has scored six consecutive league goals for Stuttgart, breaking a long-standing record set by Jürgen Klinsmann. Across competitions, he was involved in nine goals in November alone — an extraordinary run that has given Stuttgart real attacking bite.
Historically, Bayern have been the dominant force in this matchup with 71 wins from 112 Bundesliga meetings. But Stuttgart’s last league win against Bayern — a memorable 3:1 at home in May 2024 — still lingers in supporters’ minds. Since then, Bayern have regained control, but the gap in quality doesn’t feel as wide as it once did, especially considering both teams' attacking firepower and possession-heavy playing styles.
For anyone wondering where to watch: the match isn’t available on free TV. Sky is broadcasting live via TV and stream, and DAZN carries the conference. SPORT1 is running a live ticker as usual.
So with Bayern’s rotations, Stuttgart’s home surge, and both sides boasting dangerous form in front of goal, this clash has all the ingredients for real drama — and possibly another chapter in their unpredictable rivalry.
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