Bayern Munich head coach Pep Guardiola has claimed that Bayer Leverkusen should be recognised as challengers for the Bundesliga title this season.
Leverkusen, who finished fourth last season, have started the new campaign with two league wins and progressed to the Champions League group stage with victory over Lazio in midweek.
Guardiola has been impressed by the performances from Roger Schmidt's side, and he is certain that Saturday's opponents can push them hard in the title race.
"Bayer are big rivals for the Bundesliga title," the Spaniard told reporters. "Leverkusen are unique opponents.
"They don't give you any time to consider. We're going to have to let the ball do more running than our legs.
"They are a special team - very intense. [Hakan Calhanoglu] takes some very dangerous free-kicks so we've got to prevent those situations."
Bayern, Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are the only three teams who have won both of their opening games.
Callum Mulvihill
