Bundesliga: Bayern look to extend their lead against Stuttgart as Dortmund are playing catch up

(Football news) Bayern look to extend their lead against Stuttgart as they have the chance to open up a gap over second-placed Borussia Dortmund, who do not play until Wednesday. The three points made it 20 wins from 24 games across all competitions this season, Nagelsmann's first campaign in charge since his arrival from RB Leipzig is tasked with leading his side to a 10th-consecutive Bundesliga title. Bayern can still come out on top despite being far from their free-flowing best as they will lead the table heading into the winter break. Robert Lewandowski needs just two more goals to equal Gerd Muller’s calendar year scoring record (42) and has two matches to break this historical German record. For Bayern, Joshua Kimmich, Marcel Sabitzer and Leon Goretzka are expected to remain absent once more as Josip Stanisic and Eric Choupo-Moting are doubtful for the match.

Dortmund take on relegation threatened Fruth in what has become a must win match as they are six points behind the runaway leaders Bayern. The return of Erling Haaland has at least boosted the Black and Yellows in front of goal and the fitness of the Norwegian striker will be crucial in the title race as he has already netted 11 Bundesliga goals in only nine appearances. After two disappointing results against Bayern and VFL Bochum, Dortmund at best can finish second prior to the winter break. For Dortmund, Roman Burki, Youssoufa Moukoko, Giovanni Reyna, Mateu Morey, Marcel Schmelzer and Manuel Akanji remain out of this fixture along with Donyell Malen due to COVID-19.

RB Leipzig will hope they end the year with back to back victories as they face Augsburg. The expected title challengers are yet to win an away match as they have just scored four goals in the process, this was one of the main reasons for Leipzig's lowly league position and Jesse Marsch’s sacking. New coach Tedesco will want to win all three points and see his side to within two points of the Champions League places despite the poor start to the 2021-22 campaign. For Leipzig, Marcel Halstenberg, Marcelo Saracchi, Lukas Klostermann, Amadou Haidara, Dani Olmo, Yussuf Poulsen and Hugo Novoa all are expected to be out for the remainder of this year.

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