Prolific Kane and Undav face off as Bayern head to Stuttgart
Bayern Munich, who top the league table, will visit Stuttgart this Saturday, paving the way for a clash between the Bundesliga's leading scorers in terms of current form: Harry Kane and Deniz Undav.
Having netted 14 times in just 12 league outings this term, the England skipper Kane continues to deliver more than a goal per match for the Bavarian powerhouses.
For Stuttgart, the German forward Undav has surged into excellent shape over the last few weeks. Across his most recent six outings in various competitions, the 29-year-old has managed eight strikes and two assists.
The former Brighton player is now hitting two goals per game in his last three Bundesliga appearances.
Undav's scoring run has been so prolific that even he has misplaced the tally.
"I am not sure myself of the exact number I've got," Undav remarked following a goal celebration where he tallied on his fingers before raising his shoulders in uncertainty.
"I will embrace this purple patch and aim to maintain it while supporting the squad."
Bayern hold the league's strongest backline, yet they have shipped goals recently, letting in 11 across their previous six games in all tournaments, which bodes for an encounter brimming with scores.
Midweek, Bayern overcame Union Berlin to advance to the German Cup's quarterfinals, though they surrendered two penalties, marking the first occasion veteran German shotstopper Manuel Neuer has allowed two from the spot in a single fixture during his career.
Post game, Kane shared with reporters that it highlighted the team's ability to grind out victories through varied means.
"This match required us to exhibit extra resolve and unity, and we managed that effectively," Kane noted.
"The joyous reactions from us at the finish line showed its significance for our campaign."
The clubs have already crossed paths this season at this ground during the opening Franz Beckenbauer Super Cup, where the title defending league winners Bayern edged out German Cup champions Stuttgart 2-1.
This Saturday, runners-up RB Leipzig seek to stay close to the frontrunners Bayern by welcoming Eintracht Frankfurt.
In other action, fourth placed Borussia Dortmund will entertain Hoffenheim on Sunday. Having fought against the drop last year, Hoffenheim now sit fifth in this season's standings.
Player to spotlight: Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund)
The abilities of Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi have always stood out, but with manager Niko Kovac at the helm, the German attacker is displaying his prowess more regularly.
Kovac has often described the blisteringly fast Adeyemi as having been "blessed by the divine," a sentiment the 23-year-old recognises well.
"He has mentioned this to me on numerous occasions, suggesting I possess some unique attributes that others lack," Adeyemi explained to the Bundesliga site on Thursday, though he continued: "Possessing such attributes without deploying them is quite different.
"I focus on diligent effort to harness these divine gifts in my play. Failing to do so would squander potential."
With four goals already this season, including two in his latest two matches, Adeyemi appears set for his finest output since arriving at Dortmund in 2022.
Essential figures
6, Undav established a team milestone with his goal during last weekend's 2-1 defeat away to Hamburg, marking his sixth consecutive for Stuttgart
2, Bayern Munich have surrendered only two points so far this term, the lowest in Europe's elite five leagues
535, If Neuer confronts Undav and Stuttgart this weekend, he will claim sole second place for Bundesliga outings among custodians
Schedule (1430 GMT unless noted)
Friday
Mainz v Borussia Moenchengladbach (1930)
Saturday
Cologne v St Pauli, Wolfsburg v Union Berlin, Augsburg v Bayer Leverkusen, Heidenheim v Freiburg, Stuttgart v Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig v Eintracht Frankfurt (1730)
Sunday
Hamburg v Werder Bremen, Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (1630)