Bayern Munich begin their DFB-Pokal campaign on Wednesday evening as they square off against third-tier side Viktoria Koln.
At a time when Bayern sit at the top of the Bundesliga standings, the home side occupy eighth spot in 3. Bundesliga table.
Many eyebrows were raised when Bayern Munich were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Borussia Monchengladbach at the weekend, particularly with the home side requiring an equaliser during the closing stages.
However, those circumstances arose from the brilliance of visiting goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who made a record-breaking 19 saves at the Allianz Arena.
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann would have been frustrated with the share of the spoils, but it will at least ensure that his team do not become complacent as they look to establish more dominance in the top flight.
As many as nine players have chipped in with their 16 league goals this campaign, none of the squad contributing more than three, and that will be regarded as a positive by Nagelsmann with his players stepping up in the absence of Robert Lewandowski.
Bayern have failed to win this competition over the past two seasons and there will be a desire to get their hands on the trophy for the 21st time.
That, and Bayern being held to a draw at the weekend, does not play into the favour of Viktoria Koln, who know that the odds are stacked against them when it comes to keeping the scoreline respectable.
They are no strangers to pushing Bundesliga opposition close on home territory with RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim overcoming scares in 2018 and 2021 to win 3-1 and 3-2 respectively.
Nevertheless, Olaf Janssen will be realistic about the challenge which awaits his players, especially after failing to win either of their last two games in the third tier.
However, Viktoria only sit three points adrift of third position at this stage of the season, something which will satisfy Janssen after the club only finished in 13th spot in 2021-22.
Viktoria Koln form (all competitions):
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Bayern Munich form (all competitions):
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We say: Viktoria Koln 0-5 Bayern Munich
Viktoria will treat this experience for what it is, trying to enjoying the occasion while attempting to avoid a humiliating defeat. While the first target may be achievable, the latter is less likely as we expect a much-changed Bayern side to cruise to victory.