Preview: Nuremberg vs. Bayern Munich

Much-improved Nuremberg face the unenviable task of becoming the latest team to try to put a halt to Bayern Munich's march towards the Bundesliga title as they host them on Saturday.

Nuremberg were without a win in the first half of the season, but have won two from two since the Ruckrunde got underway - one each at home and away.

In that time they have also scored seven goals, with added confidence coming from the fact that they have moved above the relegation playoff spot into 15th in the table.

League leaders Bayern have dropped just four points in their 19 games so far, with their 53 points seeing them move 13 clear of their closest challengers Bayer Leverkusen.

Both draws have come away from home, however, although they are equally tight on the road with just four goals conceded in their nine matches so far.

For the hosts, Per Nilsson and Emanuel Pogatetz could still be out, which means that new signing Ondrej Petrak might have to continue in an unfamiliar centre-back role.

Pep Guardiola has seen Bastian Schweinsteiger return to training recently but he is not yet ready for a start, although Javi Martinez could be considered.

Recent form

Nuremberg: LDDDWW

Bayern: WWWWWW

Possible starting lineups

Nuremberg: Schafer; Chandler, Pinola, Petrak, Plattenhardt; Feulner, Kiyotake, Hlousek, Frantz; Ginczek, Drmic

Bayern: Neuer; Rafinha, Boateng, Dante, Alaba; Lahm; Robben, Muller, Thiago, Ribery; Gotze

Sports Mole says: 1-3