Much has changed since then with Bayern having assembled a powerful squad. Guardiola has the pick of 10 full internationals in his midfield alone, including Spain Under-21 captain Thiago Alcantara, a new arrival from Barcelona.

But the expectations of delivering the instant success Bayern are used to is clearly weighing on Guardiola.

"It's not easy having to always win," said the Spaniard, who has had eight weeks to work with his team. "People expect us to win by six or seven nil, and that's just not possible."

Gladbach have made three signings since last season with Germany striker Max Kruse having joined from Freiburg, Brazil's Raffael from Dynamo Kiev and Germany Under-20 defensive midfielder Christoph Kramer on loan from Leverkusen.

But the opportunity to shake up the league by claiming Bayern's scalp is firing up the underdogs, Moenchengladbach's right-back Tony Jantschke said.

"The game will be broadcast in more than 100 countries. The eyes of the world will be watching us," said the 23-year-old German defender, who will be marking Bayern's France wing Franck Ribery.

"There is nothing better for a footballer, even if you know that a difficult game awaits us in Munich and we're the underdogs.

"Games against Bayern have always been close over the last few years and hopefully, with a bit of luck, we can take a few points home."

Last weekend's results suggest 'Gladbach will struggle as they were beaten on penalties by minnows Darmstadt in the German Cup, while Bayern rested their stars yet still managed a 5-0 win at Rehden in the first round.

Last season's runners-up Borussia Dortmund open their season at Bavaria's Augsburg with new signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan unlikely to start after tearing ankle ligaments in the preseason preparations.

There will be an interesting opener at Bayer Leverkusen with Sami Hyypia's team hosting Freiburg, who just missed out on a Champions League place, but have lost five first-team regulars since last season.