Preview:Stuttgart vs Bayern Munich - prediction, team news, lineups

DFB-Pokal champions Stuttgart will host Bundesliga winners Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup final on Saturday at MHPArena.

The Swabiansbeat Arminia Bielefeld 4-2 in the final of the cup competition in May, whereas Bayern regained their league crown after finishing first ahead of second-placed Bayer Leverkusen.

Match preview

The hosts' performance in the final of the DFB-Pokal was strong, and while the scoreline indicated that the clash may have been a thrilling contest, they were winning 4-0 before an 85th-minute own goal gave Arminia Bielefeld a consolation.

Stuttgart's domestic season was mixed considering they finished ninth with 50 points, whereas they had finished second with 72 points in 2023-24.

Boss Sebastian Hoeness's side were excellent in the final third in the closing stages of last term - his players scored 12 in their final four games - and they have also netted 15 in their four friendlies.

Die Roten head into the weekend's clash having lost 1-0 against Bologna on August 9 in pre-season, but they did triumph in their prior seven in all competitions.

Stuttgart did not fare well at MHPArena in 2024-25, with Hoeness guiding his side to seven defeats and three victories in his club's last 10 competitive matches at the ground.

Bayern restored their place at the pinnacle of German football under the direction of Vincent Kompany, accumulating 82 points and finishing 13 points ahead of Leverkusen.

The Bavarians were outstanding in front of goal, finding the back of the net on 99 occasions, their joint second-highest return in the league since 1971-72.

At the other end of the pitch, the champions were also the top flight's best defensive side having conceded 32 times, their joint best record since 2017-18.

Kompany has history on his side considering Bayern have emerged as winners in four of their past five encounters against their hosts, with the defeat they suffered in that period their only loss in 12 meetings.

The visitors participated in the Club World Cup this summer, and when factoring in their three friendlies, they have won 10 of their last 13 outings while only being beaten twice.

Bayern were undefeated in their final 11 fixtures away from home in 2024-25, achieving seven wins in that time.

Stuttgart friendly form:

Bayern Munich form (friendlies and all competitions):

Team News

Central defenders Luca Jaquez and Julian Chabot have appeared in the backline for Stuttgart during pre-season, and they can be expected to start on Saturday.

Angelo Stiller was responsible for directing many of Stuttgart's possession sequences from midfield last term, and the German could be paired with Atakan Karazor.

Up front, Deniz Undav and Nick Woltemade are the most probable candidates to play as strikers, and the duo may be supported by wide attackers Jamie Leweling and Chris Fuhrich.

Bayern boss Kompany will want to give left-winger Luis Diaz his first start for the club in a competitive match, while creator Michael Olise could flank striker Harry Kane on the right.

However, the serious injury that attacker Jamal Musiala suffered in July in the Club World Cup against Paris Saint-Germain is set to keep him out of action for months.

Midfield stalwart Joshua Kimmich is certain to feature barring a late injury, though given Aleksandar Pavlovic is dealing with an eye issue, Leon Goretzka should be seen as favourite to start in a double pivot.

Centre-back Jonathan Tah was signed after his Bayer Leverkusen contract expired, and he may be stationed next to Dayot Upamecano.

Stuttgart possible starting lineup:

Bredlow; Vagnoman, Jaquez, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Leweling, Karazor, Stiller, Fuhrich; Undav, Woltemade

Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:

Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Karl, Diaz; Kane