The Bundesliga’s most anticipated fixture, Der Klassiker, takes center stage this Saturday as Borussia Dortmund host Bayern Munich at the iconic Westfalenstadion.
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This 136th edition promises high drama, pitting Dortmund’s unblemished home record against Bayern’s ruthless dominance away from home.
Dortmund’s Revival Under Sahin
After a rocky spell of four defeats in five matches, Dortmund have found stability under manager Nuri Sahin. Four wins in their last five games, including a commanding 4-0 triumph over Freiburg and a 3-0 victory at Dinamo Zagreb, showcase their resurgence.
Dortmund have been a force at home, winning all eight matches at Westfalenstadion this season. They are now aiming to make history with nine consecutive home victories to start a campaign. With scalps like RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt already collected, Saturday’s fixture offers their biggest challenge yet.
However, Bayern’s dominance in this fixture looms large. Dortmund have lost to Bayern 67 times, more than any other opponent, but they’ll take solace in the fact that Bayern have also suffered their most defeats against Dortmund (33).
Bayern Munich’s Relentless March
Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich are on a scintillating seven-match winning streak across all competitions, racking up 18 goals and seven consecutive clean sheets. The Bavarians are on a roll, including a 3-0 Bundesliga win over Augsburg and a narrow 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Sitting six points clear at the Bundesliga summit, Bayern are firing on all cylinders. Kompany’s 29 points in his first 11 Bundesliga matches as head coach equals a league record, underscoring the team’s blistering form.
Bayern haven’t tasted defeat at Westfalenstadion since 2018 and have won four of their last five visits, including a 4-0 demolition of Dortmund last season. With Harry Kane leading the attack and Jamal Musiala pulling strings in midfield, Bayern will be confident of another Klassiker triumph.
Team News
Borussia Dortmund:
Dortmund face notable absences, including captain Emre Can, who serves the second game of his suspension, and Karim Adeyemi, sidelined with a hamstring injury. Julian Brandt is a doubt after sustaining a muscle issue midweek, but Niklas Sule returns from an ankle injury.
Predicted lineup: Kobel; Ryerson, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Nmecha, Gross; Beier, Sabitzer, Gittens; Guirassy.
Bayern Munich:
Bayern are without Joao Palhinha (groin), Hiroki Ito (foot), Josip Stanisic (knee), and Sven Ulreich (personal reasons). Aleksandar Pavlovic has returned to training but is unlikely to feature. Raphael Guerreiro could slot in at right-back, while Michael Olise may start in place of Leroy Sane.
Predicted lineup: Neuer; Guerreiro, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane.
Prediction
Bayern’s recent invincibility and goal-scoring prowess make them favorites in this encounter. With Dortmund’s formidable home record under threat, fans can expect a high-octane clash. However, Bayern’s attacking depth and defensive solidity may prove too much for Dortmund, tilting the Klassiker in the Bavarians’ favor.
