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Leaders VfL Wolfsburg could break the record for most consecutive Bundesliga wins in one season when they travel to Energie Cottbus on Sunday to defend their three-point lead with six matches left.

Wolfsburg, top on 57 points, have won 10 league games in a row, equalling Borussia Moenchengladbach's record from the 1986/87 season.

With their strike partnership of Grafite and Edin Dzeko in breathtaking form with a combined league tally of 38 goals, Wolfsburg look likely to achieve the feat against relegation-threatened Cottbus.

"I know Cottbus will try to get any points they can," coach Felix Magath (pictured) said. "We must avoid that at all cost."

Bosnian midfielder Zvjezdan Misimovic, outstanding this season having set up 17 goals and scored six himself, will be a key part of Magath's plan.

"He knows how the strikers move. They know how he plays the balls. The three of them have developed wonderfully together," Magath said.

Champions Bayern Munich, third on 54 points after Berlin's win at Hoffenheim, will hope Wolfsburg slip up as they prepare to host Schalke 04, who are on a three-match winning streak and still dreaming of salvaging a European spot from an otherwise disappointing season.

Pre-season favourites Schalke sacked coach Fred Rutten in March and caretaker coaches Youri Mulder, Mike Buskens and Oliver Reck have since seen the team win all three matches they have been in charge for.

The good run has lifted Schalke to sixth place, five points behind a spot for next season's Europa League, the successor to the UEFA Cup.

"We are going to Munich where three points are on offer. We want to bag those points," Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones said.

Bayern cannot afford any more stumbles if they are to stay on track for their title defence.

The champions have been far from dominating this season, their first under coach Juergen Klinsmann, and have yet to top the standings.

But after their Champions League quarter-final exit against Barcelona last week, they can now focus on the domestic title.

With four players back from injury including striker Lukas Podolski and Brazilian Ze Roberto, Klinsmann will have more options than in their 1-0 win over Arminia Bielefeld last week.

"We cannot afford to drop any points," said defender Philipp Lahm. "We are eager to become champions again."

Hamburg SV, level on points with Bayern but drained after their German Cup semi-final defeat by Werder Bremen on penalties on Wednesday, travel to Borussia Dortmund, who are unbeaten at home this season.

Reuters