Overview
- Bayern confirmed Manuel Neuer’s return in goal for the Leverkusen match, with Vincent Kompany urging his side to avoid fouls near the box against free-kick specialist Alejandro Grimaldo, who has scored four direct free-kicks among seven goals this season.
- The leaders pursue a 15th straight competitive win after a 14–0 start, while Kompany notes Bayer’s resurgence under Kasper Hjulmand with 16 of 18 Bundesliga points despite recent cup and European struggles.
- Kompany dismissed concerns over Luis Díaz’s workload, saying the winger looks fresh and does not currently need a rest after logging the most minutes in the squad.
- Second-placed RB Leipzig carry an extended unbeaten run and can set a club-best points tally after nine games, a surge credited to Ole Werner’s shift to aggressive pressing, faster transitions and reduced average possession to about 48.9%.
- Stuttgart arrive on a five-game league winning streak as coach Sebastian Hoeneß praises Leipzig as a “team of the hour,” rules out Dan-Axel Zagadou and lists Tiago Tomás as doubtful, and singles out Christoph Baumgartner and teenager Assan Ouédraogo as key threats.