Eintracht Frankfurt coach Armin Veh believes Bayern Munich are "in a league of their own" as he prepares to take his side to the Bavarian capital as one of their closest challengers.
Frankfurt currently lie in third place, seven points behind Bayern, making this a top-of-the-table clash in its own right.
Yet Veh sees it more as a battle between David and Goliath.
"Looking at the league table then yes, it is a top game, however normally we cannot measure ourselves with FC Bayern," he said.
"They have won nine out of 10 and are playing really well. Before the season started, I would never have thought they would be so strong.
"They are even better than in previous years. At the moment, it seems like they are in a league of their own."
Nevertheless, three points are at stake, and despite having already made it halfway to their goal for the season of 40 points - a tally which is usually enough to stay up - Veh would not say no to getting some more on the board.
"For a side who are promoted, every game should be the game of the season," he said.
"Everybody has to push himself to the limit and beyond. It is particularly important for the young players to see where they are and where they need to improve, and what the opponents maybe do differently or better.
"For these players, games against Bayern are definitely something special."
Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes is treating the game equally seriously for his side against the "surprise team of the season" in the league.
"They have carried the momentum from promotion over into the Bundesliga with them," he said at a press conference.
"I know the kind of style Armin Veh plays - attacking, creative and beautiful football - and of course successful football, too."
Mario Gomez is back in training for Bayern, but he has not been included in the squad, although Mario Mandzukic should be back after a viral infection ruled him out of the 6-1 win over Lille in midweek.
