Overview
- Bayern coach Vincent Kompany confirmed Manuel Neuer’s return in goal and cautioned his players about conceding free kicks against specialist Alejandro Grimaldo.
- Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand vowed to press high in Munich, backing a resurgent league run that includes a record 37 straight unbeaten Bundesliga away games.
- Bayern have opened the season with 14 wins in 14 competitive matches and frame the matchup as part of a live rivalry renewed by recent title and cup duels.
- RB Leipzig are unbeaten since their opening defeat and could reach 22 points from nine games under Ole Werner, while Stuttgart arrive in form but expect to be without Dan-Axel Zagadou and may miss Tiago Tomas.
- Under pressure after a 0:6 loss to Leipzig and a cup exit, Augsburg coach Sandro Wagner faces Dortmund on Friday night as goalkeeper Finn Dahmen publicly backs the staff and approach.