Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund preview: A top of the table clash awaits

Bayern Munich:

Matchday 8 of the Bundesliga serves up it's showpiece event, from which Bulinews.com will be reporting live, as Bayern Munich welcome Borussia Dortmund to the Allianz Arena. Kick-off in the Topspiel game is scheduled for 18:30 CET.

Aside from injuries and Vincent Kompany's absence, things could hardly be much better for Bayern right now. They arrive into this fixture off the back of a 6-1 thrashing of 1.FC Magdeburg, with several key names rested.

One of which was their newly crowned Ballon d'Or winner, Harry Kane. Averaging a goal a game against BVB in six games to date, he will be hoping to add to that. The returning Kimmich and Pavlovic will likely help towards that.

The German record champions' recent record on home soil against the Westphalians also bodes well. Eight wins, one draw and a single loss to the Black and Yellows in their last 10 Bundesliga meetings at the Allianz Arena.

Team news:

Bayern come into this fixture shy of a few key personnel. Jamal Musiala and Luis Días (both torn muscle fibres) remain out, while Kim Min Jae (groin) is a doubt. Manuel Neuer (foot) is expected to come back into the fold.

Borussia Dortmund

As for Borussia Dortmund, they also come with plenty to play for, and anything other than a defeat would naturally keep them on par or send them clear of Bayern. However, it's a task that's easier said than done. 

Niko Kovac's side have struggled to find a balance in recent weeks. Games often seem to fluctuate between grinding out a cagey win or starting strong before a late collapse. Tuesday was no different in the DFB-Pokal.

A blistering first-half put Werder Bremen to the sword before Niclas Füllkrug's brace. To the relief of BVB fans, Marcel Sabitzer's free kick bailed them out. But now, they face their toughest task yet in the German topflight.

On top of that, Kovac is yet to taste success over Vincent Kompany and Bayern since he took the reins at BVB. No doubt their 2-0 win back in March 2024 will act as the inspiration against a free-scoring Bavarian outfit. 

Team news: 

As often repeated this season, Emre Can and Giannis Komstantelias (ACL tears) as well as Justin Lerma and Kaua Prates (muscle problems) are doubts. Ramy Bensebaini is also  battling to overcome acute thigh problems.

Here's our predicted starting lineup for the meeting of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.