Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath hopes to make Bayern Munich’s start to 2012 even more miserable when he takes his side to the Allianz Arena searching for a third straight win.
Bayern’s 3-1 defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach last weekend enabled both Borussia Dortmund and Schalke to move level on points with the record German champions at the top of the table.
Gladbach are also just a point behind and should Bayern fail to win on Saturday they could lose top spot this weekend.
That is precisely what Magath, who led Bayern to back-to-back league and cup doubles during his time in charge, is planning.
“It goes without saying that Bayern are the better team and they are clear favourites, and they will want to bounce straight back from their poor performance against Gladbach,” he said.
“Bayern played some amazing games, particularly at home, during the first half of the season.
“But we, strengthened by our win against Cologne, want to cause Bayern problems at their place.”
The Wolves have not won three games in a row all season but Magath has several additional options to strengthen his side.
Top goalscorer Mario Mandzukic is available again, as is former Bayern midfielder Hasan Salihamidzic.
“Salihamidzic has performed well this week so he does have a chance of playing,” said Magath at the pre-match press conference.
“Mario has trained all week and if his condition remains stable, then he can justifiably hope to play.”
For Salihamidzic, the trip is a return home for the first time in four and a half years.
The Bosnian played nine years for Bayern before moving to Juventus in 2007, winning six Bundesliga titles, four DFB-Pokals and the Champions League during his time in Bavaria.
“Of course I cannot wait to see my old team-mates, the fans and the stadium again,” he said.
“I still have a house in Munich so it is always great to come home.”
Opposing striker Mario Gomez is not planning to give him a happy welcome, though.
“We have got to win this second game (of the year) and then things will look a lot better again,” he said.
Franck Ribery could help the Bavarians as he returns from suspension but Daniel van Buyten is out injured.