Bayern Munich marked their winter break from the Bundesliga with some impressive form in friendlies but today's German Cup opponents Stuttgart represent formidable last 16 opponents.
The champions are in contention for a treble after qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages and lying second on goal difference to Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.
But Stuttgart have yet to lose in Germany under new coach Markus Babbel and drew with Bayern 2-2 in the final league match before the winter break.
Stuttgart have been boosted by the recovery from injury of key players, including Serdar Tasci, Yildiray Basturk, Cacau and Ciprian Marica.
Babbel, a former team-mate of Bayern coach Juergen Klinsmann, took over from Armin Veh in late November.
Despite lacking a German soccer federation top flight coaching licence he has been provisionally allowed to coach until the end of the season.
After a shaky start to the season Bayern have improved considerably and the addition of striker Landon Donovan, on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy, has so far proved a success with the striker netting several times in friendlies.
Other all-Bundesliga last 16 clashes see Borussia Dortmund take on Werder Bremen while Cottbus travel to Bayer Leverkusen.