Bayern Munich, the defending Bundesliga champions, face last season runners-up Wolfsburg in a mouth-watering clash at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday. Both teams have been in great form this season, with Bayern winning five out of five, while Wolfsburg have won three and drawn two.
With Bayern looking for their fourth successive league crown, Wolfsburg are going to be one of their biggest tests this season. So far none of the teams have been able to challenge Pep Guardiola's side enough to at least force a draw.
With Bayern having dominated the Bundelsiga, Guardiola believes Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg are their key rivals this season.
"Wolfsburg have been incredible in the two years under [Dieter] Hecking. Wolfsburg have invested a lot. People want to see competition for Bayern, and here it is. They and Dortmund are our rivals," ESPN quoted Guardiola as saying.
Hecking may have his task cut out against Bayern, who have never lost against Wolfsburg at home. But, Wolfsburg should head over to the Allianz Arena with the thought of 'records are meant to be broken' especially after defeating Bayern in the Super Cup in early August, and also thrashing them 4-1 in the Bundesliga match in January.
The Wolfsburg coach is aware of the task at hand, bur believes Bayern can be beaten.
''Since our win in January and in the Supercup more recently, Bayern know that if we have a good day, we can beat them. And that gives us the feeling that we are not without a chance, while it ensures Bayern know that they have to be on top of their game. That's the difference now," said Hecking.
Wolfsburg will want their Brazilian players such as Luiz Gustavo, Dante and Naldo to shine against Bayern. The trio, with their experience, can be a huge factor in the match. However, their striker, Bas Dost, who could be replaced by Nicklas Bendtner, might have to sit out due to disciplinary reasons. Dost was angry after he was substituted against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.
Wolfsburg might no longer possess Kevin de Bruyne, but they have roped in Julian Draxler, who could prove to be a catalyst to Wolfsburg's chances in the Bundesliga this season.
As for Bayern, they are still without the services of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, but are expected to start with their Polish striker, Robert Lewandowski, who commenced training after missing their last game against Darmstadt 98.
Lewandowski had suffered an ankle injury during their Champions League clash against Olympiakos.
Where to Watch live
Bayern Munich vs Wolfsburg Bundesliga match has been scheduled for 8pm local time(11:30pm IST, 7pm BST,2pm ET) start. Viewers can watch the Bayern Munich vs Wolfsburg match live on Star Sports 4/HD with live streaming option on starsports.com.
Viewers in the UK can watch the Bayern Munich vs Wolfsburg match on BT Sports with live streaming on Watch BT Sport or one can also watch the game by downloading the BT Sport App.
US viewers can watch the mega Bundesliga clash on Fox Sports with an option of going online on FoxSoccer2Go.
