Munich - League leaders FC Bayern Munich are looking to equal a Bundesliga record of eight consecutive away victories in Saturday's 185th Bavarian derby against state-rivals 1. FC Nuremberg.

Hecking: "We're not dispairing"

The record titleholders won for the first time in Franconia since 2005 in last season's corresponding fixture, but didn't have things their own way as they were forced to rely on a solitary Arjen Robben strike to move themselves within touching distance of Borussia Dortmund at the time.

This time round it's Bayern who are leading the pack after bettering the best ever start to a Bundesliga campaign, one that they themselves recorded in 1980/81. "There is no difference in class, both teams are playing in the same league," said FCN head coach Dieter Hecking. "Bayern have made a great impression. They're a strong unit. It's obviously a collection of quality individuals, who have now also discovered that football is a team sport."

Four points from a possible 24 in recent weeks doesn't bode well for the hosts, who are preparing to face the side against whom their Bundesliga record is worst. "We have to close down the space, look for chances going forward and make the most of them," stated Hecking. "We don't need anything to encourage us. Yes, we're going through a difficult phase, but we're not despairing." The return of No1 goalkeeper Rafael Schäfer will come as a timely boost, while, with Hanno Balitsch sidelined, Markus Feulner could be handed a rare start in the derby which Hecking believes "will be very emotional".

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