Rodriguez

With a DFL Supercup victory already under their belts and a solitary defeat so far this season, it seems somewhat of an overreaction to question whether Bayern have what it takes to capture a record breaking sixth consecutive league title. But that loss to Hoffenheim – as well as the draw at home to Wolfsburg - has already had an effect and there are some suggesting that there could be a new Bundesliga champion this season.

Even the most ardent of Bayern fans would not argue that some of performances under Carlo Ancelotti have been less than inspiring and although they won the league by 15 points last season it was not done in the swashbuckling manner that the fans had become used to.

Since the retirement of club legend and inspirational captain Phillip Lahm earlier this year, there has been plenty of speculation in the local media about which player will adopt the armband from the outgoing 33-year-old. Names including Jerome Boateng and Thomas Muller were both rumoured to be in the running to adopt some extra responsibility this campaign but the club have recently announced that the captaincy will be handed to goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

The Bayern number one has been at the club since 2011 making over 170 appearances for the Bundesliga champions since finalising his €22million transfer. The 31-year-old has already captained the national side and can boast a World Cup winners medal and five domestic titles.