Why the match at FC St. Pauli will be a special test for FC Bayern

Before the final international break of the year, FC Bayern head north on Saturday to take on FC St. Pauli on Bundesliga Matchday 10 (live text and free Web Radio from 15:30 CET on fcbayern.com and the FC Bayern App). Bayern are looking to build on their recent good displays and cement their lead at the top of the table. Our preview has everything you need to know ahead of the game.

The photos from final training on Friday:

The state of play for Bayern

Four wins and four clean sheets in a row – FC Bayern are in very strong form right now. "It's about the mentality of the whole team and finding the right balance in that mentality," said head coach Vincent Kompany in Friday's pre-match press conference. "The last few games have gone well, hopefully we can carry on that way and maintain the confidence." The German record champions have a three-point lead over RB Leipzig at the top of the Bundesliga and have also been victorious without conceding in the DFB Cup (4-0 at Mainz) and Champions League (1-0 against Benfica) recently. 

The Munich men have been particularly free-scoring on their travels this season, with 22 goals scored in the first five away league outings. "Our plan doesn't change whether it's at home or away," explained Kompany. "Maybe one reason why we've scored so many goals away is that the opponents play a bit differently at home. We're preparing for Saturday in the same way as always and hope it works out again."

All the key statements from the press conference ahead of the match at St. Pauli:

The opponents: St. Pauli

After 13 years in Bundesliga 2, St. Pauli were promoted to Germany's top tier in the summer. However, successful coach Fabian Hürzeler left after that and moved to Brighton & Hove Albion, with Alexander Blessin taking over at the Hamburg club. With eight points from the first nine matches, the Kiezkicker have made a decent start to the campaign, although they've yet to score a goal at the Millerntor-Stadion. They did win 2-0 at TSG Hoffenheim last time out, though. "I see a very positive development at St. Pauli," said FCB sporting director Christoph Freund about the forthcoming opponents. "They play very good football, they deserved to go up. There's always a special atmosphere at their home games. St. Pauli are just good for the Bundesliga."

The facts on the clash with St. Pauli:

The team news for St. Pauli vs. Bayern

Despite a busy schedule, the team are "fresh – mentally and physically" according to Kompany. He'll again be without long-term absentees Hiroki Ito (metatarsal), Josip Stanisic (knee) and Aleksandar Pavlović (collarbone) for the trip to Hamburg. Sacha Boey returned to full training this week following a meniscus tear.

St. Pauli are without Philipp Treu (hamstring) and Connor Metcalfe (muscular) along with long-term absentees.

What the coaches say