All eyes are set on Harry Kane as defending champions Bayern Munich gear up for the opening match of the 2023/24 Bundesliga season against Werder Bremen on Friday (kick-off: 8.30pm CEST).
Kane’s presence adds anticipation to an already challenging start for Bremen. The Green-Whites face a formidable record against Bayern, yet they did manage to push the champions in a close 2-1 home defeat towards the end of the previous season. Despite finishing 13th in their Bundesliga return, Ole Werner’s squad aims to strengthen with signings like Naby Keita. Unfortunately, Keita’s presence is uncertain due to a pre-season injury. Polish striker Dawid Kownacki joins their ranks, but the retention of Niclas Füllkrug, last season’s joint top Bundesliga scorer, remains pivotal for their survival aspirations.
Bayern’s victory in Bremen played a crucial role in their title triumph last season. Pre-season results have been mixed, including a 3-0 loss to DFB Cup holders Leipzig. England striker Kane, a record transfer from Tottenham Hotspur, is set to start after his impactful substitute appearance in the Supercup. Another new signing, Min-jae Kim, vies for a spot in the back four, while the absence of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is noted. With Leon Goretzka’s role altered by Konrad Laimer’s arrival, familiar names like Thomas Müller and Dayot Upamecano could be seen on the formidable substitutes’ bench.
Match Stats Snapshot:
Füllkrug, like Miroslav Klose in 2005/06, finished as Bremen’s top Bundesliga scorer last season.
Keita played a significant role when Leipzig defeated Bayern in March 2018.
Bremen’s home record against Bayern shows 14 losses in the last 15 Bundesliga matches, with one draw. Their last victory over the champions at Weser-Stadion was in 2006.
Kane’s prolific performance in the 2022/23 English Premier League was marked by a goal every 113.6 minutes.
Last season, Serge Gnabry led Bayern with 14 goals, while Jamal Musiala provided 10 assists.
On Bundesliga Matchday 1, Bayern boasts the most wins (35) and goals (125).
By – Sahiba Suri