Dutt expecting tough test from Bayern

Bayer Leverkusen coach Robin Dutt is bracing for a Bayern Munich onslaught when they visit the BayArena on Saturday.

Bayern’s stuttering form has seen them slip four points behind Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund, but a recent reverse in results with two wins their past two games has Dutt expecting a gruelling encounter.

Bayern are still mulling over the fitness of Franck Ribery with coach Jupp Heynckes, returning to his former club for the first time, desperately seeking a win to keep the pressure on Dortmund.

“(Bayern) appear to back on track after their convincing victory over Schalke. Following the Freiburg and Basel games, you could sense there was a bit of concern,” Dutt said.

“But now they are focused again. They had a number of key players unavailable too. Plus (Franck) Ribery had to be taken off the pitch. I was impressed with what I saw.”

The game is a crucial one for Leverkusen too, with the last Champions League place still seven points away for the fifth-placed side despite a five-game unbeaten run.

But he said with Bayern’s breadth of options, even with injuries, his side are facing an uphill battle.

“Bayern always have plenty of options in attack. Either he (Heynckes) has to play Toni Kroos in that central position or he will have to leave one of his stronger players on the bench,” he said.

“Last week it was Kroos’ turn for that. So they look in very good shape. Maybe they didn’t deliver the goals that we expect from a team like Bayern; it’s something that we certainly not used to.”

“Anyway, on paper, they have the qualities that make them strong contenders in any game.”

Andre Schuerrle, Eren Derdiyok and Vedran Corluka are all doubtful for the home side.