Bayern Munich host the Der Klassiker in the gameweek 28 of Bundesliga.
The Bavarians would be looking to settle score against their rivals who won the reverse tie in December. However Bayern Munich have a healthy lead of 15 points over Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.
Bayern suffered their second defeat of the league when they faced Hoffenheim on Tuesday. The German giants have been unbeaten for past three months till this game. Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping that his team bounce back in the derby.
Dortmund has been enduring a mixed form in Bundesliga. However they come into game with a convincing 3-0 win over Hamburg on Tuesday. Thomas Tuchel’s men will be looking to finish as high in table as possible as they remain five points behind second placed RB Leipzig.
Team News-
Bayern Munich will be without number of key players for this crucial game. Manuel Neuer still recovering from the surgery and is ruled out for this game. Along with Neuer, Thomas Muller will also not be risked against Borussia Dortmund.
"Tomorrow is too soon for @Manuel_Neuer. We don't want to take any risks. But he and @esmuellert_ will both be fit for Real." #FCBBVB pic.twitter.com/cGwiNJwpDm
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) April 7, 2017
Apart from the German duo, Ancelotti has a strong squad for this game. Douglas Costa is likely to make a return on Saturday. The Brazilian has been recovering from an injury which he suffered before the international break.
Next: Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund- Key Battles
Predicted XI-
Carlo Ancelotti will field his strongest eleven despite the fact that they face Real Madrid on Wednesday. Sven Ulreich will continue to feature in the goal in the absence of Neuer. The Italian admitted in his pre- match press conference that Jerome Boateng will start on Saturday. Mats Hummels, Philipp Lahm and David Alaba will complete the back four along with Boateng.
Ancelotti’s key man Thiago Alcantara will make a return against Dortmund after being rested on Tuesday. His creativity and link-up play was missed badly against Hoffenheim. The Spaniard is likely to form a midfield trio with Xabi Alonso and Arturo Vidal.
Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for Bayern against his former teammates. Ancelotti will go for the two veterans on the flank which will demote Kingsley Coman to the bench. Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery will complete the front three with Lewandowski.
Ulreich- Alaba,Hummels,Boateng,Lahm- Alonso,Vidal,Thiago- Ribery,Lewandowski,Robben
Opposition Focus-
Dortmund will be without some of their important players for this game. Despite this fact they can cause problems for Bayern on counter. The Bavarians will dominate the possession but on their one mistake the likes of Pierre Emric Aubameyang and Ousmane Dembele will pounce.
Aubameyang is the top scorer in the division while Dembele has been the chief creator for Dortmund. Apart from this duo the likes of Shinji Kagawa and Emre Mor can also be dangerous in the final third. Bayern will have to remain tight at the back and avoid any lapse of concentration. Thiago will be crucial for Bayern as the Spaniard can easily unlock a tight defence.
Prediction-
Bayern Munich 2-1 Borussia Dortmund