Bayern Munich seek title dance in Bavarian waltz with neighbours Augsburg
It might be time to don the Lederhosen, suspenders and knee-length socks while preparing your Schuhplattler dance moves as this weekend could see Bayern Munich crowned Bundesliga champions for the sixth successive season following their all Bavarian affair against Augsburg.
If unfamiliar with the Schuhplattler, that's the German dance that contains all that shoe-slapping, stomping and clapping with a jittery accordion playing all the while in the background. It shouldn't be confused with what midfielder Javi Martinez was practicing alongside Spanish pop prince Alvaro Soler at Säbener Straße this week, but if Bayern land Bundesliga title number 27, few connected with the club will care little for how the players bust a groove on the WWK Arena pitch.
Prior to any Meisterschale being handed over or celebrations taking place, Jupp Heynckes's men must first complete the task at hand, namely picking up three points, and they would appear to be in prime position to do so judging by the big-game numbers.
In pole position as Augsburg's tormentor in chief is Robert Lewandowski. A striker so skilled at putting Manuel Baum's men to the sword, he has scored more times against them than any other team. Of the 18 goals the 29-year-old has registered against Saturday's opponents, nine have come in the last four games between these teams.
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Celebrating his 35th birthday on the day of the game, meanwhile, wing wizard Franck Ribery would love nothing more than to plant a gold medal atop his many-tiered cake and join Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Oliver Kahn and Mehmet Scholl on an insane eight Bundesliga title wins. Ribery's teammate David Alaba, meanwhile, is set to become the first player in Bundesliga history to win seven top-flight titles by age 25.
At the other end of the age spectrum, the 79-year-old Otto Rehhagel still holds the record for most Bundesliga appearances as a player and coach with 1,033.
However, Heynckes has had a twinkle in his eye this week for not only does the tactician, seven years Rehhagel's junior, have the chance to win a fourth Bundesliga crown as a coach, he'll move level with his septuagenarian counterpart's staggering number of appearances when taking to the bench this weekend.
Watch: How Heynckes revolutionaised Bayern's game!
Lest we forget, this encounter between two of this season's oldest teams in the division is not all about Bayern. Augsburg - located a mere 49 miles from Munich - have had a decent season thus far and in full back Philipp Max, boast the Bundesliga's highest assist provider.
Indeed Max's 12 assists stands above the totals of Joshua Kimmich, Thomas Müller and James Rodriguez, all of whom have nine. However, this Bavarian dance will more than likely be led by Bayern when you consider that the hosts have lost their last three games in a row in their own backyard. A fourth reverse would represent a new statistical low.
Their chance to waltz away with an unprecedented sixth Bundesliga title in a row within their grasp, expect the visitors to produce all the twists and moves designed to dazzle their opponents. But beware a wounded Augsburg, who may just provide a surprise turn themselves. Music maestro!