The 136th Der Klassiker promises to deliver high-intensity football as Borussia Dortmund host Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich at Westfalenstadion on Saturday evening. This clash pits Dortmund’s perfect home record against Bayern’s dominant form on the road in what could be a pivotal fixture in the title race.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich: Match Preview
Borussia Dortmund
Under Nuri Sahin, Dortmund have shown signs of resurgence, winning four of their last five matches across all competitions. A 4-0 Bundesliga victory over Freiburg was followed by a commanding 3-0 triumph against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League midweek.
Currently fifth in the Bundesliga standings, Dortmund trail Bayern by 10 points. But they are undefeated at home this season, with eight wins from eight matches in all competitions. The Yellow-Blacks will look to continue their fortress-like performances at Westfalenstadion, where they have defeated top sides like RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt.
While Dortmund have struggled against Bayern in the past—losing against the Bavarians more times than any other team (67)—they can take heart in knowing Bayern have also lost more matches against Dortmund (33) than any other side.
Bayern Munich
Vincent Kompany’s Bayern arrives at the King Power in quite imperious form, having picked up seven straight wins while conceding zero goals and scoring 18. The defensive solidity had been further highlighted by Kim Min-jae’s header against PSG in their recent Champions League win by a score of 1-0.
Sitting atop the Bundesliga table with a six-point cushion, Bayern have flourished under Kompany, who has matched the league’s record for the most points in the first 11 games by a new manager. Bayern are unbeaten in their last five visits to Dortmund, including a 4-0 demolition at Westfalenstadion last season, and will look to extend that dominance.
Team News: Key Absences and Lineups
Borussia Dortmund
Out: Emre Can (suspension), Karim Adeyemi (hamstring).
Questionable: Julian Brandt (muscle problem).
Returning: Niklas Sule (ankle) is back in contention.
Probable Changes: Serhou Guirassy may replace Maximilian Beier in attack, while Julian Ryerson is set to return at right-back, allowing Pascal Gross to shift into midfield.
Predicted Lineup:
Kobel; Ryerson, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Nmecha, Gross; Beier, Sabitzer, Gittens; Guirassy
Bayern Munich
Out: Joao Palhinha (groin), Hiroki Ito (broken foot), Josip Stanisic (knee), Sven Ulreich (personal reasons).
Returning: Aleksandar Pavlovic (shoulder) has resumed training but is unlikely to feature.
Probable Changes: Raphael Guerreiro or Konrad Laimer could start at right-back, while Michael Olise may replace Leroy Sané on the right flank.
Predicted Lineup:
Neuer; Guerreiro, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane
Form Guide
Borussia Dortmund Bundesliga form:
LWLWLW
Borussia Dortmund (all competitions):
LWWLWW
Bayern Munich Bundesliga form:
DWWWWW
Bayern Munich (all competitions):
WWWWWW
Match Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 1-3 Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich’s watertight defense and inexorable attack make them the firm favorites to win, even against Dortmund’s formidable home form. With Harry Kane in a fine streak of scoring touch and Kompany’s team firing on all cylinders, Bayern’s attacking depth is bound to get on top of an in-and-out Dortmund backline this season.
Dortmund might create some chances but, given Bayern’s class and current form, it is most likely that Bayern would take home all three points.
