Kevin Hatchard’s European Insights: Bayern Set for a Tough Challenge

European Football Tips

This week features three tips from Europe's major leagues.

Kevin Hatchard highlights three tips for the weekend, believing that Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich will face a challenging test at Stuttgart.

Stuttgart v Bayern Munich – Hosts to hold their own

Saturday 06 December

Although Bayern is on track for another Bundesliga title, they are currently struggling to dominate games consistently. Vincent Kompany's team narrowly defeated Union Berlin in the DFB Pokal and needed stoppage time goals to secure a win against St Pauli in the league. They also lost to Arsenal in the Champions League and drew with Union Berlin in the Bundesliga.

The upcoming match at Stuttgart presents a significant challenge. Stuttgart boasts seven consecutive home victories and has held or defeated Bayern in three of their last eight encounters in league and cup. Although Bayern won 2-1 in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup earlier this season, they did not dominate Sebastian Hoeness's side.

Stuttgart is brimming with confidence at home, featuring Deniz Undav, one of the most in-form strikers in Germany, who has netted nine goals in his last nine games, including a goal in their recent 2-0 DFB Pokal win over Bochum.

With an extra day of rest and near perfection at home, Stuttgart can put up a strong fight. Backing them +1.0 on the Asian Handicap at 2.22 returns a winner if Bayern does not win, and our stake is safe if Bayern wins by just one goal.

Nice v Angers – Chaos club must be opposed

Sunday 07 December

These are difficult times for INEOS-owned Nice, with many fans feeling abandoned as the owners focus on Manchester United. Recent events have seen players and the sporting director attacked by angry ultras at training. Jeremie Boga and Terem Moffi faced physical and racial abuse, leading to their sick leave. Other players are considering transfers due to the turmoil.

After a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Lorient, which marked their sixth straight loss, coach Frank Haise offered his resignation, which was declined. He now faces the challenge of uniting a fractured group of players.

Angers, meanwhile, are a resilient side that sits five points clear of relegation. Coach Alexandre Dujeux has exceeded expectations with a limited budget, having lost only two of their last seven matches.

Nice are priced at 1.98 for this match, and given their crisis, I recommend laying them at that rate.

Napoli v Juventus – Match of reunions to favor the hosts

Sunday 07 December

This exciting primetime match at the Maradona sees two former Italy coaches facing their old clubs. Napoli's Antonio Conte achieved many successes with Juventus, while Luciano Spalletti led Napoli to their first league title in 33 years in 2023.

After matching Spalletti's achievements with Napoli last season, Conte aims for the Scudetto. Following an impressive 1-0 victory over Roma, Napoli is only separated from the top by goal difference. Unbeaten at home this season, they have recorded seven wins in ten competitive matches.

Spalletti is working to restore Juventus's former glory after previous poor managerial appointments. Juventus has recently won three consecutive matches across all competitions and remains unbeaten in eight outings.

However, Juventus has struggled in recent visits to the Maradona, having lost their last six league encounters in Naples. Although they possess attacking talent, they often underperform, especially with players like Kenan Yildiz, Lois Openda, and Jonathan David.

At 2.56 in the Match Odds market, I'm backing Napoli for another famous win over Juventus. They've regained momentum following a rough patch after a loss to Bologna.

Recommended bets

Back Stuttgart +1.0 on the Asian Handicap @ 2.22

Lay Nice @ 1.98

Back Napoli to win @ 2.56