The Bundesliga is unique among Europe's top leagues for having one club that is clearly head-and-shoulders above the rest. Bayern Munich is Germany's lone elite side, but they have struggled for a decade to take the Bundesliga title consistently, winning just one set of back-to-back championships in that span.

Bayern's poor season in 2010-11 (only third place!) meant a coaching change and several new signings over the summer. Most prominent among them was a big-money deal for Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The roster features ample firepower up front and a solid group in midfield, but questions remain about the reliability of their back line.

Winning the league this year will be the top priority, but a good run in the Champions League would please club bosses too. After all, Bayern's state-of-the-art Allianz Arena plays host to the final on May 19.

Fun fact: This is Jupp Heynckes's third stint in charge of the Bavarian giants.

Author: Matt Hermann
Editor: Sean Sinico