Preview: SC Paderborn vs. Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich return to Bundesliga action against SC Paderborn on Saturday following a frustrating outing in the Champions League.

A surprising lack of cutting edge to the Bayern attack forced them to settle for a goalless draw against Shakhtar Donetsk after Xabi Alonso had been sent off in the first leg of the last-16 tie in Lviv.

The lack of an away goal will surely have frustrated Pep Guardiola, but his side remain favourites ahead of the second leg next month, and Bayern's dominance in the league means that he will be able to keep players fresh ahead of that game.

Bayern prepare for Saturday's match against Paderborn with an eight-point advantage over closest rivals Wolfsburg, and they will be fully expected to pick up a 17th league win.

However, Paderborn head into the game with renewed confidence after finally ending a run of 10 Bundesliga matches without a win by beating Hannover last Sunday.

Despite sitting 12th in the table following that win, Paderborn are just two points above the bottom three as a dramatic battle to avoid relegation continues this weekend.

A stalemate with Shakhtar may have left the Bayern fans disappointed, but they will be confident of recording another emphatic Bundesliga win after thrashing Hamburger SV 8-0 last Saturday for their biggest league win in 30 years.

Guardiola is likely to welcome Robert Lewandowski back into the starting lineup, while Dante could be named in defence alongside Jerome Boateng.

Paderborn boss Andre Breitenreiter has no new injury concerns, but Srdan Lakic, who came off the bench to score against Hannover, could be handed a start for the visit of the champions.

Paderborn:

Recent form: LDLLDW

Possible starting lineup: Kruse, Heinloth, Rafa, Hunemeier, Hartherz, Bakalorz, Vrancic, Koc, Meha, Kachunga, Lakic

Bayern:

Form in Bundesliga: WWLDWW Form in all competitions: WLDWWD

Possible starting lineup: Neuer, Rafinha, Boateng, Dante, Bernat, Alaba, Schweinsteiger, Gotze, Ribery, Robben, Lewandowski

Sports Mole says: 0-3