Frankfurt led the Bundesliga for total match goals, averaging six per game, with both their attacking fluidity and defensive instability combining to produce chaos. Bayern are hardly lagging, averaging 4.4 goals per game themselves. That ridiculous scoring rate is matched by the Bavarians’ dominance, as they’ve already struck 22 times this season while conceding only 3. Frankfurt’s second-worst defensive record in the division, shipping 2.6 per game, strongly suggests Bayern’s firepower will find joy again.

The wider sample backs this up too. Frankfurt’s seven competitive fixtures this season have produced 42 goals at an average of six per game, while Bayern’s nine contests have returned 43 (4.78 per game). Both league meetings last season crossed this line, as have four of the last six H2Hs. With Frankfurt yet to record a clean sheet and Bayern scoring three or more in six straight Bundesliga away games, the expectation is another goal-laden spectacle.

Backing the champions is the obvious play here. Bayern remain perfect across all competitions this season (W9), a run that began with lifting the newly renamed Beckenbauer Trophy in August. Their aggregate across this stretch is as emphatic as it is predictable: 35 scored and only eight conceded. Domestically, they’re unbeaten since early March, when a first half red card to João Palhinha contributed to a rare defeat at Bochum, a run of 14 matches (W11, D3). On the road, Bayern have lost just once in the league since last season (W11, D5).

In stark contrast, Frankfurt’s form is inconsistent. They’ve lost three of their last five in all competitions, including two of their last three Bundesliga outings, and even in victory against Gladbach last weekend they managed to concede four goals after leading 6-0. That lack of concentration and defensive structure will be brutally punished by a Bayern side that remain ruthlessly efficient. Frankfurt’s attacking edge ensures they’re never entirely out of the contest, but the gulf in quality makes a Munich victory the most logical outcome.

Predictable perhaps, but so is Harry Kane. The England captain is in irresistible form, netting 18 times already this season in all competitions, including braces in each of his last five outings. His league tally of 10 goals comes from just 5.64 xG, underlining the clinical nature that makes him one of the world’s very best.

Bayern’s attacking dominance ensures Kane’s chances will continue to flow. They’re averaging 10.33 shots on target per game this season, meaning their talisman is always supplied with opportunities inside the box. Even if chances dry up, Kane’s efficiency is such that he rarely needs volume to deliver. Against a Frankfurt defence that has conceded 17 times already, backing Kane to continue his remarkable streak feels inevitable.

Few assignments are tougher than defending Bayern Munich’s right-hand side. Knauff will likely be tasked with coping against overlapping full-back Sacha Boey (1.79 fouls won per 90), midfield anchor Joshua Kimmich (1.31), and dribbling wizard Michael Olise (1.5). Combined, that flank generates an eye-watering 4.6 fouls won per 90, repeatedly drawing defenders into challenges.

Knauff himself has struggled with discipline this season, averaging 1.64 fouls per 90 with match returns of 1, 3 and 2 across his three starts. His willingness to engage duels is commendable, but against pace, trickery and overloads down Bayern’s right, at least one foul looks almost inevitable.