Bayern Munich vs Dortmund – News and Probable Lineups

Borussia Dortmund’s claim for the title will be put to the test as they visit Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena on Saturday for the Bundesliga’s first Der Klassiker of the season.

As things stand, Bayern lead the table while Dortmund sits in second place, with both clubs having 17 points after seven weeks of play, yet there are concerns that a home win could create an overly one-sided title race.

Match overview

One of the major headlines for Bayern this week was the news that head coach Vincent Kompany has been released from the hospital following a collapse during training on October 23.

While there’s no indication that he will be absent for Saturday’s clash, news of his recovery should serve as a significant lift to the team ahead of their second encounter with Dortmund in this season’s campaign.

The Bavarians recently triumphed 2-1 over the visitors in the Supercup on August 22 and have maintained an unbeaten streak against BVB in their last five meetings, securing victories in their last three matches against them.

It wouldn’t be accurate to claim that Bayern has been consistently vulnerable, yet after drawing three times in their latest six outings, the hosts have not showcased their usual relentless form.

Nonetheless, they have still managed to net 22 goals during these five games, including a six-goal haul in their 6-1 triumph against Magdeburg on Wednesday in the DFB-Pokal.

That win against Magdeburg marked their sixth home match of the current season and their fifth victory at Allianz Arena, with their only draw resulting in a 2-2 stalemate with Arsenal in the Champions League on October 21.

For Dortmund, losing against Bayern in any season, particularly at Allianz Arena, is not usually viewed as a negative outcome, but they cannot afford to drop three points in this encounter.

BVB last lifted the Bundesliga trophy during Jurgen Klopp’s tenure in the 2011-12 season; however, they have not been able to capitalize on Bayern’s vulnerabilities on numerous occasions since then.

Despite Bayern’s recent draw with Augsburg earlier this month, Niko Kovac’s outfit has also drawn twice in October and missed the chance to pull ahead by four points over their rivals, meaning a loss on Saturday would be a deeply discouraging result.

The visitors have come through their last three fixtures with victories, outscoring their opponents 6-3, with their most recent win being a 3-2 triumph against Werder Bremen on Tuesday in the DFB-Pokal.

Dortmund has had a solid record away from home; although they have only managed one win in their last three away matches, they have achieved two victories and one draw in their three most recent Bundesliga outings on the road.

Team News

Following his achievement of winning the Ballon d’Or, there is no finer occasion for Harry Kane to make his return to the starting XI than in De Klassiker.

Regrettably, the striker will not have wingman Luis Diaz at his disposal, as he is likely to be absent until late November due to a hamstring issue.

Michael Olise is expected to provide chances for the Englishman inside the box, and the creative distribution from midfielder Joshua Kimmich will be crucial.

For Dortmund, center-forward Serhou Guirassy will need to shine if he is to challenge Bayern’s defense, especially given that attackers Konstantinos Karetsas and Giannis Konstantelias are both sidelined, putting the bulk of the responsibility on him in attack.

Jobe Bellingham has provided two assists in his last two matches, but if he takes the field on Saturday, his performance will be assessed based on how well he can support defenders Joane Gadou, Waldemar Anton, and Nico Schlotterbeck.

Bayern Munich probable starting XI

Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Brown; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Karl, Gnabry; Kane

Borussia Dortmund probable starting XI

Kobel; Gadou, Anton, Schlotterbeck; Ryerson, Bellingham, Nmecha, Svensson; Sabitzer, beer; Guirassy

Whenever Der Klassiker occurs, the matches are filled with excitement, and there’s no reason to think Saturday’s game will be a dull one.

Bayern will be regarded as the favorite, particularly considering their impressive recent form against Dortmund, but BVB is sure to present a difficult challenge for them at Allianz Arena.