Title in sight: The stats that inspire confidence ahead of southern clash

The big moment is within reach: This coming matchday, should FC Bayern pick up more points against VfB Stuttgart (Sunday, 17.30 CEST) than Borussia Dortmund at TSG Hoffenheim, their 35th league title would mathematically be certain. It would be the crowning glory of an already impressive season - and in front of a home crowd at the Allianz Arena of all places. But what are the arguments in favour of the record champions actually taking this step? The facts provide some exciting answers.

On course for the title - and looking good historically

With 76 points after 29 matchdays, FC Bayern are enjoying the third-best Bundesliga season in the club's history. Only in the 2012/13 and 2013/14 campaigns did they have a bigger points haul at this stage (78 in both seasons). So this consistency at the highest level is no coincidence, but the expression of a season that felt like a title-winning year right from the start.

However, their opponents will also head to Bavaria brimming with confidence: VfB Stuttgart have an impressive 56 points - also their third-best haul in the three-point era. 17 wins after 29 games have only been surpassed once in Stuttgart, so this clash will by no means be a walk in the park.

Favourite opponents with a clear history

A look at the history of this fixture should give the Munich side some additional encouragement: No team have beaten opponents in the Bundesliga as often as FC Bayern have beaten Stuttgart - 72 wins in 113 encounters speaks for itself.

The reverse fixture is also still very much a fond memory: Bayern thrashed the Stuttgart side 5-0 - VfB's biggest Bundesliga defeat to date under coach Sebastian Hoeneß. The roles therefore appear to be clearly defined - on paper at least.

Expect fireworks at both ends

Whenever these two teams meet, it's guaranteed to be a spectacular affair. The men from Munich have already racked up 105 goals, more than ever before in a Bundesliga season. The old record from the 1971/72 season (101 goals) is already history.

But Stuttgart are also impressive up front: With a 60-goal tally, they share second place in the league. In addition, both teams have recorded the most shots on target in the league, with Bayern (251) also ahead of VfB (175).

Of particular note: Stuttgart have scored in every one of their last 18 Bundesliga games on the road, equalling the club record. The've also already set a new record for away goals (34). Only FC Bayern (49) have scored more goals away from home in Europe's top 5 leagues.

Spotlight on attacking stars

The Bayern attack continues to be led by Harry Kane, who has already made 36 direct goal contributions in the Bundesliga. Michael Olise is right behind him with 30 (12 goals, 18 assists). This is the first time since detailed data recording began in 2004/05 that two Bayern players have broken the 30 mark in the same season - a feat previously only achieved by the Wolfsburg duo Edin Džeko and Grafite in the 2008/09 title-winning campaign.

Moreover, Olise could continue to write history: Currently on 18 assists, he's just one short of catching up with the best playmakers in recent Bundesliga history. Still top of this ranking, which has been in place since the 2004/05 season, is Bayern legend Thomas Müller with 21 assists in the 2019/20 campaign.

Milestone and a spirit of optimism

Jamal Musiala is also in the spotlight: the attacking maestro could make his 150th Bundesliga appearance for FC Bayern - as the second-youngest player in the club's history after Uli Hoeneß. Musiala recently demonstrated his class again in the Bundesliga game against St. Pauli with a goal and an assist - and underscored his ever-rising form with the assist for Luis Díaz's goal to make it 3-3 in the Champions League thriller against Real Madrid. It’s another sign that the Germany international is hitting top form just in time for the season run-in.

Depth in the squad as a success factor

An often underestimated key to success lies in the depth of the squad: Bara Sapoko Ndiaye is the 31st FC Bayern player to have made an appearance in the Bundesliga this season. That's not just the best stats in the league, but also a new club record.

So coach Vincent Kompany is utilising the full depth of his squad - and successfully so. And the Belgian could now reach another milestone: His next win would be the 50th in his 64th Bundesliga game in charge. Only Pep Guardiola (61 games) got there quicker.

Stuttgart without key players

VfB's task has been made even more difficult: top striker Deniz Undav is suspended after being shown a fifth yellow card. With 18 goals, the VfB striker is the second-highest scorer in the league behind Kane - and even shares the record for shots on target (108) with him. His absence weighs heavily, as this will be the first time Undav has missed a Bundesliga match since Matchday 6.

So the stage is set: A home game, a possible championship, records aplenty - and opponents who, despite all their quality, will be missing a key player. If FC Bayern can maintain their impressive form from this season, the Allianz Arena could become the setting for the next highlight four days after the 4:3 win over Real Madrid.