Bundesliga 2023/24: What To Expect As Harry Kane And Serhou Guirassy Meet When FC Bayern Host Stuttgart – Tactical Analysis

A clash of Bundesliga titans awaits as FC Bayern Munich prepares to face VfB Stuttgart on December 17, 2023, at 1:30 PM ET.

The matchup features two prolific goalscorers in the form of Harry Kane and Serhou Yadaly Guirassy, promising a showdown of attacking prowess.

VfB Stuttgart has stormed into the season with an impressive 31 points, marking their second-best start to a Bundesliga campaign, trailing only behind their 2003/04 season with 34 points.

Among the league’s offensive powerhouses, VfB ranks third in total goals scored, boasting an impressive tally of 34, surpassed only by FC Bayern (44) and Bayer Leverkusen (39).

The man at the helm of VfB’s remarkable run is none other than Hoeneß, a name etched in the annals of both Stuttgart and Bayern history.

Hoeneß, the son of ex-Stuttgart and Bayern forward Dieter and the nephew of FC Bayern great Uli, has steered the team with a remarkable average of 2.14 points per game over 29 matches.

This stands as the highest average for any VfB coach overseeing more than 15 fixtures.

As the former Bayern youth coach faces his former club, the question lingers: who will be celebrating on Monday morning after this intriguing matchup?

This tactical analysis explores the lineups, key players, and strategies that could come into play.

Buckle up for an enthralling ride through the tactics, where every decision, pass, and press could sway the balance of power in the Bundesliga.

This is more than just a match analysis; it’s a preview of the battle of the Bundesliga giants.

Potential lineups

FC Bayern, under the stewardship of coach Thomas Tuchel’s tactics, is set to field a formidable lineup in their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation.

The defensive quartet comprises Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, and Davies, while the midfield duo of Kimmich and Goretzka will provide a solid foundation.

Sané, Musiala, and Tel are expected to orchestrate the attacking midfield, with the prolific Harry Kane leading the line.

However, Bayern faces some notable absentees, including Buchmann, Coman, De Ligt, Gnabry, Mazraoui, and Sarr.

Ulreich’s status is doubtful due to an ankle concern.

On the opposing side, Stuttgart, guided by coach Sebastian Hoeneß, is gearing up for the battle with a pragmatic 4-4-2 formation.

Nübel guards the goal behind a defensive lineup featuring Vagnoman, Anton, Zagadou, and Mittelstädt.

Millot, Karazor, Stiller, and Führich will form the midfield quartet and look to control the centre of the pitch, while Undav and Guirassy form the attacking pair up front.

Stuttgart, unfortunately, will be without the services of Egloff, Ito, and Nartey due to various injuries.

The squad, however, remains determined for the challenge against the Bundesliga giants.

Current form

This season, Bayern Munich has showcased an offensive prowess that positions them at the top of the Bundesliga goal-scoring charts, averaging an impressive 3.4 goals per game.

Their attacking proficiency is underscored by a remarkable goal differential of +30, leading the league in this aspect.

Bayern’s offensive juggernaut is further emphasized by their league-leading shots taken, totalling 238 across 13 games.

On the defensive end, Bayern Munich has maintained a solid record, conceding only 1.1 goals per game, securing the second-best defensive performance in the Bundesliga.

This well-rounded performance contributes to their formidable shot differential, leading the league with a remarkable +16.1 per match.

Conversely, VfB Stuttgart has been a force to be reckoned with in the attacking department, scoring an average of 2.4 goals per match, positioning them at the third spot in the Bundesliga goal-scoring charts.

Their offensive efforts have resulted in a goal differential of +18, placing them fourth in the league.

While Stuttgart excels in scoring, they face challenges defensively, conceding 1.1 goals per game.

However, they showcased resilience in limiting the number of shots they faced, ranking third in the league with 53 shots across 14 matches.

Stuttgart has demonstrated

fourth in the Bundesliga.

In terms of shot differentials, both teams showcase their strengths.

Bayern Munich leads the league with a +209 overall shot differential, while VfB Stuttgart ranks fourth with a +153 overall shot differential.

These statistics set the stage for an intriguing clash between two teams with distinct strengths and strategies.

In their recent Bundesliga encounter, Bayern Munich

.

Joshua Kimmich managed to salvage some pride for Bayern by scoring the lone goal in that challenging match.

However, they showcased resilience in the subsequent UEFA Champions League clash against Manchester United, securing a 1-0 victory to compensate for their domestic loss.

Contrastingly, VfB Stuttgart, under the guidance of coach Hoeneß, recognized Bayern’s vulnerability despite their impressive Bundesliga record.

In their latest Bundesliga fixture on December 10, Stuttgart

.

Chris Führich was the scorer for Stuttgart, demonstrating the team’s determination to compete against top sides.

Lots of goals expected

In the impending clash between Bayern Munich and VfB Stuttgart, the focus will undoubtedly be on the two prolific goal-scorers leading their respective teams.

Harry Kane stands out as a crucial force for Bayern, having notched an impressive 15 goals and contributed four assists.

Moreover, Kane currently leads the Bundesliga scoring chart with a remarkable 18 goals, averaging one every 63 minutes.

On the Stuttgart front, Serhou Guirassy emerges as a potent goal-scoring threat

.

Guirassy’s efficiency is underscored by his 16 goals, which came from just 34 shots, averaging an impressive 2.8 per game.

Notably, Guirassy scored from the penalty spot in the last encounter between Stuttgart and Bayern, securing a 2-2 draw in Munich.

This result contributed to VfB’s unbeaten streak in their last two visits to the Allianz Arena, a record they will be eager to extend.

Both Kane and Guirassy were unable to add to their goal tally on matchday 14, setting the stage for a fiery showdown in the southern clash.

Fans can anticipate a thrilling offensive display, with

(36.9).

Both teams are renowned for their attacking prowess, with Stuttgart impressively trailing only slightly in big chances, showcasing their ability to create scoring opportunities.

Bayern’s dynamism in attack

In the current setup, FC Bayern Munich showcases a dynamic attacking strategy, particularly through the central areas, which could prove decisive in their upcoming clash against Stuttgart.

The trio of Goretzka, Musiala, and the prolific Harry Kane forms a formidable force.

Kane seamlessly drops from his centre-forward position to operate as an additional playmaker in the No.

10 zone.

This configuration poses a significant defensive challenge for the opposition.

Kane’s strategic movement adds another layer to Bayern’s attacking prowess, creating a formidable presence in the middle.

To compound the defensive dilemma, Bayern’s wingers, Leroy Sané and Mathis Tel, are positioned high and wide, stretching the defensive lines.

This strategic choice by coach Thomas Tuchel forces the opposing team into a difficult decision—abandon the flanks to the dangerous wingers or risk

shots.

Tuchel further enhances the attacking threat by instructing Bayern’s attackers to interchange positions continuously.

Notably, Musiala seamlessly transitions into the centre-forward role when Kane drops back between the lines, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to their offensive approach.

This tactical strategy could pose significant challenges for Stuttgart’s defence, particularly considering their vulnerability to goals conceded from open play in the central areas, accounting for 62% of the shots they face.

As Bayern exploits the potency of their attacking setup, Stuttgart will need a robust defensive plan to withstand the dynamic and versatile attacking threats presented by Tuchel’s side.

Stuttgart’s high pressing

Stuttgart’s formation has a significant advantage in that the four narrow midfielders can quickly apply pressure when possession is lost.

When Stuttgart then win the ball back, they are able to get forward quickly.

VfB Stuttgart’s strengths in high pressing provide them with a tactical advantage and could be a solution to securing points against formidable opponents like FC Bayern.

This aspect of their game highlights their commitment and determination during the defensive transition, an attribute that plays a crucial role in their overall performance.

Stuttgart’s high pressing is characterized by their remarkable challenge intensity of 5.5 in the Bundesliga.

This statistic illustrates their relentless pursuit of the ball and their unwavering commitment to disrupting their opponents’ build-up play.

Furthermore, Stuttgart’s low PPDA (Passes Allowed Per Defensive Action) of 11.35 signifies their effectiveness in limiting their opponents’ time and space to execute their plays.

This approach can be particularly potent against teams that prefer a more patient build-up style, as it disrupts their rhythm and forces them into hurried decisions.

FC Bayern are not typically pressed with such intensity and high up the field.

Their PPDA against values in the Bundesliga and the Champions League are considerably high (15.57 and 14.66, respectively).

This implies that Bayern is accustomed to maintaining possession and building from the back without regularly facing aggressive, high-pressing approaches.

This tactical observation highlights the potential vulnerabilities Bayern might face when confronted with intense pressing tactics, such as those employed by VfB Stuttgart.

Conclusion

FC Bayern, led by coach Thomas Tuchel’s strategic brilliance, showcases a dynamic attacking strategy, especially in the central areas.

The trio of Goretzka, Musiala, and goal-machine Harry Kane, supported by high and wide wingers, poses a formidable challenge for any defence.

On the other hand, VfB Stuttgart, enjoying one of their best starts to a Bundesliga season, will aim to capitalize on their own attacking strengths, led by the prolific Serhou Guirassy.

However, as highlighted in recent matches, they must contend with Bayern’s defensive resilience and strategic flexibility.

Stuttgart’s defensive strategy will be crucial, given their vulnerability in conceding goals from open play in central areas.

The clash between the league’s top scorers, Kane and Guirassy, adds an extra layer of intrigue to a match that promises an attacking spectacle.

As both teams strive for victory, the outcome could hinge on how well Stuttgart can navigate Bayern’s intricate attacking manoeuvres and exploit potential defensive vulnerabilities.

The tactical battle and the goal-scoring prowess on display ensure a thrilling spectacle for football enthusiasts.

The fans can anticipate a clash where strategic nuances and attacking flair take centre stage, ultimately determining the outcome of this Bundesliga showdown.