Preview: Bayern München - Borussia Dortmund
The whole world will be watching when Bayern München take on Borussia Dortmund in 'Der Klassiker' on Saturday. Here's our preview of the game.
| Allianz Arena. | Photo: dronepic, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 |
While Dortmund actually won the last encounter between the two sides as they beat Bayern 2-0 at Signal Iduna Park in the Super Cup in August, BVB have had huge problems when they have faced the Bavarians in Munich in recent years.
Having lost their last two games at Allianz Arena by 6-0 (March 2018) and 5-0 (April 2019), 'Die Schwarzgelben' will obviously be adamant to avoid a similar situation this time around.
"Mats [Hummels] and Axel [Witsel] have already mentioned this, but on Saturday we have to play fearlessly with full intensity. We need to match them. We haven't done that in Munich the last few years, and we want to change that," BVB sporting director Michael Zorc told reporters on Thursday.
BVB might have to manage without two of their biggest stars, though, as Jadon Sancho and Marco Reus are both doubtful.
"Marco Reus and Jadon Sancho's availability for Saturday will be decided shortly," said BVB coach Lucien Favre at Thursday's press conference.
Meanwhile, it has been a turbulent week for Bayern who have begun looking for a new coach after Niko Kovac was relieved of his duties following last week's disappointing 5-1 loss to Frankfurt.
Hansi Flick has taken over on an interim basis and won his first game in charge as he guided the Bavarians to a 2-0 win over Olympiacos in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference prior to Saturday's game, Flick said his players need to be wary of Dortmund's pace to get the win.
"We want to beat Dortmund. It will be played at a high level, both teams have very good players. BVB have a lot of speed. We need to defend against and deal with that," he said, as quoted by the club, and added:
"The players are focused, they are so professional! They know how important this game is. They will give everything and are fired up for it."
Predicted line-ups:
Bayern München (4-2-3-1): Neuer - Pavard, Alaba, Martinez, Davies - Kimmich, Goretzka - Coman, Müller, Gnabry - Lewandowski.
Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1): Bürki - Hakimi, Weigl, Hummels, Schulz - Witsel, Delaney - Hazard, Brandt, Sancho - Alcacer.
Absentees:
Bayern München will have to manage without Fiete Arp (hand), Jerome Boateng (suspended), Lucas Hernandez (ankle) and Niklas Süle (torn cruciate ligament).
Meanwhile, Marcel Schmelzer (lack of match fitness) will be sidelined for Dortmund. Marco Reus (ankle) and Jadon Sancho (strain) are doubtful.
Where and when:
The match will be played on November 9, 18:30 (UTC +1) at Allianz Arena, Munich.