With a week to go before the start of the Bundesliga season, Germany’s top-flight sides will be bidding to avoid an unwelcome early embarrassment when the DFB-Pokal kicks off this weekend.

The first round of the German domestic cup competition, won in each of the last two seasons by Bayern Munich, pits Bundesliga sides against lower league opposition with all top-flight representatives given away games.

For many amateur sides, it is the biggest payday of the season, if not ever. For the Bundesliga representatives, it is one of the trickiest dates on the calendar.

“It doesn’t get any better than this,” said Jens Truckenbrod, captain of third-division Munster who host the cup holders tomorrow.

“I can’t wait to play against such players.”

Arjen Robben has warned his team-mates not to take the Westphalian minnows lightly after losing 2-0 to Borussia Dortmund in the German Supercup on Wed-nesday.

“Everybody knows we’re back in the action now and we cannot afford to be negligent,” said the Dutchman, one of three candidates for UEFA’s Best Player in Europe award.

A year ago, four Bundesliga teams fell at the first hurdle of the cup competition with Borussia Moenchengladbach and Werder Bremen the biggest scalps.

Eintracht Braunschweig and Nurnberg, who were also eliminated in round one, were later relegated to the second division.

Stuttgart have a tricky trip to 2. Bundesliga leaders Bochum today while Borussia Dortmund head to Stuttgarter Kickers.

Six Bundesliga sides are in action tomorrow before Schalke head to third division Dynamo Dresden to complete the first round on Monday night.