VfB Stuttgart begin the season with a tough assignment against the record champions. On Friday evening (20:30 CEST), Stuttgart visit a sold-out Allianz Arena for the Bundesliga opener and must cope with a lengthy list of absentees. Manager Sebastian Hoeneß is missing at least eight players, all sidelined through injury.
The defence is particularly affected. Dan-Axel Zagadou (thigh), Leonidas Stergiou (thigh) and Anthony Rouault (shoulder) are not fit. There are also gaps in midfield and attack. Chris Führich (muscular) is out, as is the long-term injured Lilian Egloff (back). Goalkeeper Dennis Seimen (thigh) and midfielder Laurin Ulrich (match fitness) are also unavailable. Enzo Millot (muscular) is another absentee.
Hoeneß forced to improvise
Faced with these personnel worries, Hoeneß must reshuffle his starting eleven. Alexander Nübel is expected in goal. The back four could consist of Josha Vagnoman, Waldemar Anton, Hiroki Ito and Maximilian Mittelstädt. In defensive midfield, Angelo Stiller and Atakan Karazor are likely to take up duties. Ahead of them, Jamie Leweling, Jeong Woo-yeong and Silas Katompa Mvumpa could provide pace, with Serhou Guirassy leading the line.
Bayern have their own absentees for the match. Serge Gnabry (groin) and Jamal Musiala (fitness) are missing for Vincent Kompany's side. Nevertheless, Bayern present a formidable challenge. The Munich side want to make an immediate statement in front of their home crowd and put pressure on their rivals. For Stuttgart, the aim is to deliver a compact performance despite the many missing players and perhaps take a point back home.
Stuttgart's first home game follows on matchday three against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
After the top match in Munich, VfB have a full week to prepare for their next league fixture. Some of the injured players could be available again by then.
