FC Bayern travel to face promoted side VfB Stuttgart on Saturday (live in English from 15.30 CET on our ticker and FC Bayern TV PLUS Web Radio), and they aim to build on their impressive run of eight victories in nine matches under Jupp Heynckes. After sealing the so-called autumn championship the German record champions are eager to win the last league match of the year.
"If we don't win away to Stuttgart we'll approach the last week with a certain frustration, and we absolutely want to avoid that before the cup match against Dortmund," said Thomas Müller, looking ahead to Wednesday's DFB Cup Round of 16 home match. But first the Bavarians aim to stage a successful dress rehearsal in Stuttgart.
However, Heynckes expects a "difficult match" against the side lying 14th in the table, "a young, ambitious and hard-running team who play very well." The current situation in the table does not reflect VfB's performance level, according to Heynckes, who issued a warning. Stuttgart are "a very good team with high potential. It surely won't be a walkover."
Sven Ulreich called the match at Stuttgart's Mercedes Benz Arena a "highlight." The keeper has recovered from a muscular problem and will feature against his former club. "Of course it's very special to play against your old club where you grew up. It's a highlight, I'm looking forward to it."
Heynckes will not only make changes between the sticks, the Bayern head coach indicated. Besides Ulreich, Juan Bernat is back in the squad and another option for Heynckes. Bayern will be without Manuel Neuer, Thiago and Arjen Robben on Saturday.
The hosts aim to enjoy "a really good conclusion to the year" after three defeats in a row, according to head coach Hannes Wolf. "Bayern are always a great challenge, we'll have to defend very, very well." The Swabians will be without Anastasios Donis and Daniel Ginczek (torn muscle) and probably striker Chadrac Akolo (bruised ribs).
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