In their home game against the team from the far north, who sit third-bottom in the table, BVB want to sign off for the international break with a successful result. The promoted side currently have 12 points on the board and have the division’s third-worst defence, with 24 goals conceded.

He was a free transfer brought in by Julian Nagelsmann and Bayern’s front office, but it’s safe to assume that he was purchases on the basis of being a player to add experience and depth to the roster as someone who would be playing at least a little more than he has been. Nagelsmann had instead been naturally showing a preference to Benjamin Pavard and Josip Stanisic at right-back, though it was only a mere few months ago where it looked like the former definitely wanted to leave Bayern. Pavard’s tone has changed on that front.

VfB Stuttgart have won the DFB Cup three times in their 130-year history, with their last triumph dating back to the 1996/1997 season, when Brazilian star striker Giovane Élber led the Swabians to victory in the final against third tier side Energie Cottbus with two goals. Joachim Löw, who later became the national coach, was on the VfB bench at the time.

This is not enough game time for a player of Fati’s ability and potential, and the forward’s father recently slammed Barcelona boss Xavi for not starting his son often enough.

As was the case in February when 11,112 fans made their way to the Westfalenhalle for the group game against Siofok, the motto for the game against Dunarea Braila on Sunday will be “All in the hall”. The visitors from Romania are one of the top teams in their domestic league and sit fifth in the 14-team division after 10 games, despite suffering a 27-26 home defeat in the top match against Gloria Bistrita on Wednesday.

Werder Bremen have suspended Naby Keïta until the end of the season. The club have also handed the midfielder a substantial fine. The 29-year-old will no longer train with the team or be part of the first-team dressing room.

France dropped the final against Argentina, Manuel Neuer broke his leg, Julian Nagelsmann got sacked, Bayern Munich was eliminated from both the DFB-Pokal and Champions league, Sadio Mané slapped Leroy Sané in a locker room incident, and the team fell out of first place.

1. FC Union Berlin and Rani Khedira will not contest the sentence, which is therefore legally binding.

Boniface started the season in searing form, quickly establishing himself as one of the breakout stars of the Bundesliga and helping Xabi Alonso’s side set the tone for a remarkable season. He scored consistently throughout the campaign, but was stopped in his tracks by an abductor injury in December that cost him more than three months of the season.

Klopp’s midfield have come in for a large chunk of the blame with reliable regulars from previous seasons not looking the same players.