Kompany, Kane and Bayern eye another dominant season

Bayern Munich are launching their Bundesliga title defence as clear bookmakers' favourites, having claimed 13 of the last 14 championships. They host Stuttgart on Friday, and last week Vincent Kompany's side already picked up silverware, beating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the German Super Cup.

England captain Harry Kane is aiming for a fourth consecutive Bundesliga Golden Boot. Last season he scored 61 goals in 51 matches for the club, the highest single-season tally by any Bayern player. He now has 146 goals and 33 assists in 147 appearances for the club. Some supporters and club figures believe he could be a genuine Ballon d'Or contender, though Kane himself says the outcome isn't in his hands.

German football writer Constantin Eckner said Kompany does not necessarily need to win the Champions League this season, with the club satisfied as long as the team remains among Europe's elite. Kompany, who joined after leaving Burnley, has led Bayern to commanding league margins in both his seasons in charge.

The squad has seen modest rather than sweeping changes this summer. New arrivals include German defender Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt and Morocco international Ismael Saibari from PSV. Departures include experienced midfielder Leon Goretzka and winger Raphael Guerreiro, while Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson has returned to Chelsea after his loan spell ended.

Bayern also face the task of managing 23-year-old midfielder Jamal Musiala, who collapsed during two pre-season friendlies. Musiala said he is being treated for a neurological condition and is receiving proper medical care.