"Now it really gets going," FC Bayern head coach Niko Kovač said, looking forward to the first week with a midweek match, which begins with a true cracker. The German record champions travel to face RB Leipzig on Saturday (follow the action in English from 18.30 CEST with our exclusive fcbayern.com live updates). Only two points span Bayern, second in the table, and leaders Leipzig, and the Bavarians aim to change that. fcbayern.com has compiled the most interesting facts ahead of the clash.
The situation
FCB enjoyed two clear-cut victories after the draw in the Bundesliga restart. "We got off to a good start, even if I'm still annoyed at the two points we squandered against Berlin. We now have six matches until the next international break, and we want to consolidate our position," Kovač said ahead of the match.
The opposition
Leipzig enjoyed a perfect start, winning all three of their league matches so far. Julian Nagelsmann is the new coach in the Bulls' dugout, and his influence has already been noticeable. "Julian tries to introduce his ideas, which will make the team even better," declared Kovač. As in the last few years, Leipzig play at a high pace and press high up the field, but now RB also drop deep intermittently, letting their opponents attack. "We must prepare for this combination."
Team news
All national team players have returned from the international break without major injuries and are available. Only Leon Goretzka had another thigh problem and underwent surgery.
What the coaches say
Niko Kovač: "We know what awaits us there. Matches against Leipzig are always fierce but we're motivated. We're the reigning champions and we'll travel there with confidence, we want to win. They're league leaders, but we want to top the table after the match."
Julian Nagelsmann: "We'll be in for quite a bit of defensive work. But we'll confirm our good form, we'll field a good team. We want to take points, against the Bundesliga's top teams like FC Bayern too. We want to hurt our opponents and achieve high numbers on the scoreline – at least on our side."
Top fact
Attacking power on both sides! Bayern have scored an impressive 11 league goals so far. They only achieved a higher number in the 2012/13 treble-winning season, when they had netted 12 times after Matchday 3. Lewandowski & Co. only failed to find the net in one of their last 30 league matches, in the goalless draw against Leipzig last May. The Bulls too have proved their nose for goal this season, netting nine times so far, a club record after Matchday 3.
The referee
Sascha Stegemann will be the man with the whistle on Saturday evening. The 34-year-old has taken charge of 13 matches involving FCB so far, Munich winning nine and losing four times. His assistants will be Mike Pickel and Frederick Assmuth. Dr Robert Kampka will be the fourth official, with Tobias Reichel acting as the video assistant.
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