Bayern Munich hosts Stuttgart on opening day with sights set on title No. 36

The Bundesliga kicks off, and Bayern Munich starts right where it has felt most comfortable lately: at the top of the table. The champions host Stuttgart this Friday at the Allianz Arena for matchday 1, with their sights set on a 36th title that begins to take shape from the very first game.

Last season Bayern was a steamroller, so much so that this same Stuttgart side ended up being its high-profile opponent in two finals: the German Super Cup and the German Cup. The result, in both cases, favored the Bavarians. In fact, if you look back at the recent history between the two clubs, the last six meetings have all gone Munich's way. That statistic carries weight, even if soccer always leaves room for surprises.

The present, too, is on the side of Vincent Kompany's squad. Just a week ago, Bayern already lifted the first trophy of the campaign by beating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the Super Cup. And keep an eye out, Luis Diaz is now wearing Bayern colors and looking to make his mark in this new era. Stuttgart isn't arriving empty-handed either: they thrashed Hansa Rostock 4-0 in the first round of the German Cup, a result that makes clear Sebastian Hoeness's team isn't here to make up the numbers.

Kompany knows well what this opponent represents and doesn't hold back on praise despite his team's historical edge.

A game against Stuttgart feels a bit like a Premier League match, it's very intense. It's a team that always presses and always tries to find footballing solutions. Last season they had the second best attack. It's not a bad game to start with. They show total commitment to their style of play and to their game plan.Vincent Kompany

Absences and names to watch

The news hitting Bayern ahead of this league opener has nothing to do with muscle injuries or tactical decisions. Jamal Musiala will not be available after it was revealed that he is dealing with a neurological disorder, and his absence from the pitch is expected to last for an extended period. It's a painful loss for a team that relies on his unpredictability in the final third.

On the other side, Stuttgart will be looking to Dzenan Pejcinovic, who arrives brimming with confidence after scoring a hat trick against Rostock last week. It won't be easy for him to find space against a reinforced Bavarian backline, but he's riding a wave of good form.

For this first test, Kompany could start Neuer in goal, with a back four made up of Laimer, Tah, Kim and Stanisic. In midfield, Kimmich and Pavlovic would provide balance, while Olise, Brown and Diaz would support Kane up front. On the other side, Hoeness would go with Bredlow in goal, a back line of Vagnoman, Jeltsch, Chabot and Mittelstadt, with Prömel and Stiller through the middle, and El Khannouss, Undav and Tomas building attacks for Pejcinovic to finish off.