Bayern Munich begin their Bundesliga title defence as strong favourites, with Vincent Kompany aiming to sustain domestic dominance while challenging more seriously in the Champions League. The club have already beaten Borussia Dortmund to win the German Super Cup, and their season will be judged largely on whether they can add European success to expected league and cup trophies.

Harry Kane is seeking a fourth consecutive Bundesliga Golden Boot and is open to extending his Bayern contract, reducing the prospect of a near-term return to the Premier League. He scored a club-record 61 goals in 51 matches last season and has 146 goals plus 33 assists in 147 Bayern appearances; Bayern have won 13 of the past 14 Bundesliga titles, but only one Champions League since their 2013 Treble.