Morocco: Saibari faces Khannous as Bayern Munich begin Bundesliga title defence

The Bundesliga season begins on Friday with an intriguing meeting between Moroccan internationals Ismail Saïbari and Bilal Khannous as Bayern Munich host Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena.

The defending champions welcome Stuttgart for the opening round of the German league, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30.

The fixture has attracted particular attention in Morocco, with Saïbari and Khannous set to face each other as they begin another campaign at the highest level of German football.

Bayern aim for winning start

Bayern go into the match determined to begin their title defence with a victory on home soil.

The champions are expected to start the campaign with confidence and will look to establish their authority from the opening fixture as they pursue another Bundesliga title.

The Munich club have also strengthened their squad during the transfer window, with Moroccan World Cup star Saïbari among their new arrivals alongside Nathaniel Brown.

Stuttgart ready to challenge champions

Stuttgart will arrive in Munich hoping to upset the hosts and make an early statement of their own ambitions.

The visitors have made changes to their squad during the summer and will be aiming to produce a strong performance against the reigning champions.

For Khannous, the match provides an opportunity to make an immediate impression at the beginning of the new Bundesliga campaign.

Moroccan focus on Bundesliga opener

The meeting between Saïbari and Khannous adds an extra dimension for Moroccan supporters, who will be following the performances of two of the country’s international stars.

With Bayern seeking to begin their title defence positively and Stuttgart looking to cause an early surprise, the Moroccan midfield battle could become one of the talking points of the Bundesliga’s opening weekend.