Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart: 4-2-2-2 probable lineups and statistics

Mane scored three goals in his first three Bundesliga appearances but has now gone two games without scoring. However, the Senegal striker was on target in the DFB Cup between times and has had five goals ruled out in as many league games, including the 1-1 draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach. Bayern was held to a 1-1 draw by Union Berlin last time out, but they are still unbeaten in eight competitive matches heading into 2022/23.

after a comfortable 2-0 win against Inter Milan in their UEFA Champions League opener. Given the packed schedule, which includes Tuesday’s clash at home to Barcelona, Julian Nagelsmann may rotate again. That will likely see Jamal Musiala come in, but will Leroy Sane – Man of the Match in Milan – continue or be saved for Barca? Leon Goretzka is also expected to be given his first start of the season as he continues his comeback from knee surgery.

Stuttgart took a point off the record champions on their last trip to Munich, and have already drawn four of five matches in the early part of the new Bundesliga campaign. Their only defeat since beating the drop on a dramatic final day came at home to pre-Matchday 5 leaders Freiburg, though they are one of four teams still to register a league win in 2022/23. Rookie of the Month nominee Josha Vagnoman is suspended following his red card in the 1-1 draw with Schalke. Forward Silas is a possible makeshift right-wing back unless Pascal Stenzel is preferred. Summer signing Serhou Guirassy could make his full debut as a result of the enforced reshuffle. Tiago Tomas is another proven alternative in attack, but Luca Pfeiffer serves the second of a three-match ban.

Match stats

• Mane has yet to score at the Allianz Arena in a competitive game. All five of his goals for Bayern have come on the road, including three in the Bundesliga.
  Bayern was +6.5 in terms of xG through three games, but -2.5 in the previous two.
  The record champions have won 18 of their last 20 Bundesliga meetings with Stuttgart.
  Silas will be making his 40th Bundesliga appearance. In his first 39 games, he had 22 goals and 14 assists.
  Only Bochum and Augsburg (both three) have scored fewer goals than Stuttgart (four) after five matches.
  Pellegrino Matarazzo earned his coaching badges under Nagelsmann before joining Hoffenheim. His record against Bayern’s current coach is W1, D1. L5.

• Probable teams

  Bayern: Neuer – Pavard, de Ligt, Hernandez, Davies – Kimmich, Goretzka – Musiala, Müller, Sane – Mane
  Out: Sarr (patella tendon)
  Doubtful: –
  Coach: Julian Nagelsmann

  Stuttgart: Müller – Mavropanos, Anton, Ito – Stenzel, Endo (c), Ahamada, Sosa – Guirassy, Silas
  Out: Coulibaly (toe), Pfeiffer (suspended), Vagnoman (suspended)
  Doubtful: Nartey (thigh)
  Coach: Pellegrino Matarazzo