Bayern Munich travel to face mid-table Stuttgart in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
Bayern Munich will look to move a step closer to lifting the Bundesliga title with a win away at Stuttgart on Saturday. Pep Guardiola's side are provisionally only five points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund, though they're still strong favorites to win the league. They head into this match on the back of five straight wins in all competitions, and the momentum should be more than enough to see them past a chronically inconsistent Stuttgart.
Jürgen Kramny's side are not yet mathematically safe from relegation, and have won only one of their last seven matches. They head into this match six points clear of the bottom three, and though they should have enough to steer clear of the drop zone, they need to arrest their slide if they're to avoid a nervy finish.
Key player: Daniel Didavi (Stuttgart)
Attacking midfielder Daniel Didavi has been perhaps Stuttgart's top performer this season, which makes it all the more painful that he'll be leaving for Wolfsburg on a free transfer in the summer. The former German youth international has scored 10 league goals in 25 appearances, and chipped in with a handful of assists. If Stuttgart are to stand any chance of getting something from this match, Didavi will have to be on fine form again.
Recent history
Bayern Munich won the reverse fixture at the Allianz Arena 4-0, remarkably their 14th consecutive victory against Stuttgart in the league and cup. Not since 2010 have Stuttgart managed to beat Bayern, and they haven't beaten the Bavarians in front of their own fans since 2007, when future Bayern forward Mario Gómez netted a brace in a 3-1 victory.
Stuttgart injuries and suspensions
Out: Kevin Großkreutz (thigh); Daniel Ginczek (knee). In doubt: None.
Bayern Munich injuries and suspensions
Out: Holger Badstuber (ankle); Jérôme Boateng (groin); Arjen Robben (abductor). In doubt: None.
Stuttgart will be without versatile wide man Großkreutz, as well as striker Ginczek. For Bayern, defenders Badstuber and Boateng, and winger Robben are still sidelined.
Match date/time: Saturday, 9:30 a.m. ET, 3:30 p.m. local
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Arena, Stuttgart, Germany
TV: Fox Sports 1, GOLTV (US)
Online: Fix Sports GO, Fox Soccer 2GO (US); Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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