TAME WOLVES AWAIT BAYERN
Munich - VfL Wolfsburg head to the Allianz Arena on Tuesday evening, facing the unenviable task of trying to stop the rampant FC Bayern Munich (kick-off 20:00 CET).
Bursting at the seams
Looking to restore order at the Bundesliga high table after a barren spell of two seasons without silverware, Jupp Heynckes' charges passed their first serious test against Schalke 04 with flying colours on Matchday 4, cruising to a comfortable 2-0 win in Gelsenkirchen.
The reasons for the Bavarian giants' seemingly unstoppable current form are clear: a re-kindled desire, confidence and with key players at the top of their game. Particularly impressive has been the squad's new-found strength-in-depth, something missing in previous campaigns.
Now, however, Heynckes has a devasting plan B following the arrivals of Mario Mandzukic, Dante, Xherdan Shaqiri and Claudio Pizarro. Four Bundesliga wins from four and seven in all competitions speak volumes for a side that is still to welcome back injured striker Mario Gomez.
Toothless
On paper, the omens are none too rosy for Felix Magath's 2009 Bundesliga title winners, who currently sit tenth in the table after Saturday's 1-1 draw against SpVgg Greuther Fürth. The Wolves have won just once this season, courtesy of a last-gasp Bas Dost strike on Matchday 1, with goals otherwise proving hard to come by.
Indeed, Wolfsburg have found the net just twice whilst conceding five in their four Bundesliga encounters to date, with summer signings Dost and Ivica Olic yet to forge a genuine understanding up top. Still, with Diego dictating from midfield, the fledging strike duo will surely start firing before too long.
Familiar faces
With the matches coming thick and fast for Bayern, Heynckes may make a few changes in a bid to keep his squad fresh and maintain their winning start to the campaign. Javi Martinez could make his first full league start, especially given the coach's desire to look after Bastain Schweinsteiger, who has struggled with injuries recently. The midfielder could find himself next to Mandzukic on the bench, as the striker, facing his former club for the first time, is likely to be rested.
Another man in action against a former employer is Olic, who will be looking to build on his goal-scoring performance against Fürth. Yet Wolfsburg haven't beaten Bayern since the 5-1 drubbing back in 2009, and will be hoping the fresh legs of Robin Knoche and Vieirinha have the desired effect at one of Magath's former haunts.
Possible line-ups:
FC Bayern Munich: Neuer - Lahm, Boateng, Dante, Badstuber - Luiz Gustavo, Javi Martinez - Muller, Kroos, Ribery - Pizarro
VfL Wolfsburg: Benaglio - Fagner, Pogatetz, Naldo, Rodriguez - Kahlenberg, Knoche - Vieirinha, Diego, Olic - Dost
Christopher Mayer-Lodge
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