Bayern München vs VfB Stuttgart - DFB Pokal

The history between Bayern München and VfB Stuttgart lends this DFB Pokal fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on May 23, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable.

Positionally there is a clear hierarchy: Bayern München sit 1st, VfB Stuttgart lie 2nd, but the DFB Pokal has a habit of defying such logic. Bayern München will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. VfB Stuttgart will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. Carrick spoke to the media before his captain was seen limping, but did explain why he didn't take him off despite the commanding position his team were in.

The touchline duel between the two managers adds another layer of intrigue, with both likely to tweak their setups in search of a decisive edge. Everton are aware of interest from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, but there has been no formal approach or contact with them, and they have no appetite to sell the 26-year-old, who has three years on his deal.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. They are still debating the merits of signing a third midfielder, a deal for Lewis Hall is going to be extremely difficult to pull off and Marcus Rashford's situation means signing an attacker isn't currently off the agenda.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. All signs point towards a home win, with Bayern München favoured to come out on top by a 2-1 scoreline. Whatever the outcome, the DFB Pokal fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. In terms of outgoings, Perri seems closest to an exit, but that will likely have to wait until Trafford's mandated holiday after the World Cup is over or a No 2 arrives.