Bayern Munich look to increase their lead at the top of the Bundesliga table when they face Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday.
The second Der Klassiker of this season will be of the utmost importance as the two sides are separated by just three points in the Bundesliga table. Bayern Munich will be hoping to continue their winning streak in their final game before the international break.
Jupp Heynckes has brought Bayern’s season back on track as they have regained the top spot in Bundesliga. The Bavarians have a three point lead over Dortmund after a convincing win over RB Leipzig last weekend. The last time these two sides met was in the season opening Super Cup, where Bayern came out on top.
Dortmund have lost their in the past few weeks. They are on the brink of elimination in the Champions League, and have dropped points in their last three Bundesliga game, allowing Bayern Munich to overtake them in the League.
Team News
Bayern Munich welcome back their talismanic forward Robert Lewandowski for the game against Dortmund. The Polish forward missed Bayern’s Champions League game against Celtic on Tuesday. Heynckes confirmed in his pre-game press conference that Lewandowski is now completely fit.
Jupp: "@lewy_official has no problems and is back to full fitness. He is highly motivated!" #BVBFCB pic.twitter.com/lIlOBvUznB
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) November 3, 2017
There are no new injury concerns for the Bavarians. Thomas Muller is back in training, but the game on Saturday is too soon for him to make his return. Juan Bernat is also likely to return to action after the international break. Franck Ribery and Manuel Neuer are the only long term absentees for Bayern.
Predicted XI
Sven Ulreich was the penalty-shootout hero when these two sides met in the Super Cup. The German will continue to keep his place in the goal. Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng are the first choice center-back pairing for Heynckes, and they are both fit to face Dortmund. Meanwhile, Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba will slot in the full-back positions.
In the midfield, Javi Martinez will be deployed in the holding midfield position. The Spaniard scored the winner against Celtic and is an important player for Jupp Heynckes. His compatriot, Thiago Alcantara, will partner him in the center of the park.
James Rodriguez will continue to feature in his favored number ten role, while Kingsley Coman will play on the left flank after recovering from his knock. Arjen Robben is expected to play on the right hand side while a fit Robert Lewandowski will lead the attacking line.
"UlreichKimmich-Boateng-Hummels-AlabaMartinez-ThiagoRobben-James-ComanLewandowski"
Opposition Focus
Borussia Dortmund played some of Europe’s most attractive soccer at the start of the season. However, they still displayed some defensive concerns even in that time of the season. In the last few weeks the goals have dried up for Dortmund and they have remained leaky in defense. This has cost them a place in the next stage of the Champions League.
Form, however, goes out the window in Der Klassiker as the teams are always motivated to get the better of their rivals. Bayern must be wary of Dortmund’s attacking talent. Christian Pulisic and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang are two players who can create havoc for any defense in the world.
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Former Bayern Munich midfielder Mario Gotze is back to full fitness and will be a key player for Dortmund on Saturday as well. The Bavarians should have numerous opportunities to score, though, as Dortmund are not able to defend well. Bayern are likely to dominate the possession and they need to keep patience with the ball as a win over Dortmund is there for the taking right now.
Predictions
Borussia Dortmund 1-2 Bayern Munich