Nick Woltemade starts for VfB Stuttgart in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup clash with Bayern Munich
Who will lift the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup?
In the MHP Arena, VfB Stuttgart host reigning champions Bayern Munich on Saturday evening (kick-off 20:30 local time; broadcast on Sat.1, Sky and with a live ticker on bild.de).
The winner will become the inaugural holder of the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, a renamed competition in honor of Germany’s most celebrated footballer.
Transfer drama shadowing the build-up
All eyes have been on Nick Woltemade, who is set to lead Stuttgart’s attack from the start. Bayern have made Woltemade a main transfer target, but the two clubs remain apart on price. Bayern reportedly pitched around €55 million, plus a provision waiver worth a little over 10 percent of the fee to Woltemade’s camp, but Stuttgart stood firm in negotiations.
Stuttgart chief Alexander Wehrle had hinted that everything should be resolved by kickoff, saying during a local talk show: “We play the Supercup on Saturday. By kickoff, this should be sorted.” For now, the deal looks off, with the player’s future unresolved.
Tactical setup and lineups
Both teams line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation as they approach the new season.
VfB Stuttgart: Bredlow; Mittelstädt, Chabot, Jaquez, Vagnoman; Stiller, Karazor; Leweling, Undav, Führich; Woltemade.
Bayern Munich: Neuer; Stanisic, Tah, Upamecano, Laimer; Goretzka, Kimmich; Diaz, Olise, Gnabry; Kane.
Key notes
– Stuttgart will field Fabian Bredlow in goal, replacing the injured Alexander Nübel.
– Bayern bring Serge Gnabry into the starting XI, with Lennart Karl initially on the bench.
– Sebastian Hoeneß and Vincent Kompany both lean on a trusted 4-2-3-1 framework for the first competitive outing of the season.
What to watch for
– The first Beckenbauer Supercup has extra significance as a trophy name, offering both teams a chance to start the campaign with a title.
– Woltemade’s performance could influence discussions about his future, given the ongoing transfer interest from Bayern.
– The midfield duel between Goretzka/Kimmich and Stuttgart’s pairing will be pivotal in controlling tempo and creating chances for the front four.
Summary
Stuttgart host Bayern in a rivalry-rich season opener with a fresh trophy naming and a high-stakes transfer backdrop. Both sides trust a 4-2-3-1 setup, with Woltemade leading Stuttgart’s attack and Gnabry spearheading Bayern’s lineup. The match will reveal early form and hint at how the transfer saga around Woltemade might unfold in the weeks ahead.
Positive note
The game offers a chance for Stuttgart to kick off the season on a high note at home, while Bayern aim to start strong with a familiar but potent lineup, signaling continued momentum under Vincent Kompany.
Overall assessment
A high-profile, competitive fixture that blends on-pitch intrigue with off-field transfer chatter. Ready to set the tone for the season.
Note: This article is a rewrite of the provided content in English, preserving factual details and avoiding speculation beyond what is stated.