Leverkusen ready for Bayern test
Although Bayern Munich have won their first eight games of the league season, Bayer Leverkusen are not going to turn up just to award them another three points.
Even the fact that Leverkusen have not won in Munich for 23 years does not put the visitors off on Sunday, according to their director of sport Rudi Voller.
"We were very close (to beating them) on a few occasions and just lacked that little something," he said.
"But we don't give up hope and we will try to beat them tomorrow [Sunday].
"We have beaten Bayern at home once or twice, it's just that Bayern are very strong at home."
Nevertheless, Leverkusen need the points as much as Bayern will want them if they are to remain on course for their goal this season of at least a top-five finish.
"It is always our aim to play European football, ideally in the Champions League," said Voller on the Bayern website.
"If you leave Bayern and, nowadays, Dortmund out of it, then there are a few clubs, including us, challenging for the places behind them."
Both sides celebrated wins in midweek with Bayern bouncing back from their one and only defeat of the season in the Champions League by winning 1-0 in Lille, while Leverkusen triumphed 4-0 at Rapid Vienna on Thursday.
"I think that game will give us self-confidence for the future," said Leverkusen coach Sami Hyypia. "We saw there how many goals we are capable of scoring."
Many of Bayern's goals recently have come from the creativity of Franck Ribery, something they may be lacking tomorrow.
The Frenchman has a thigh strain and could miss out.
"Things are not looking good with Franck," said Heynckes. "He is too valuable a player to take a risk on."
Javi Martinez is also a doubt for the hosts, but Arjen Robben could return to the squad after stepping up training this week.
Sidney Sam and Stefan Reinartz are both in lines for a return to the Leverkusen squad.