Borussia Dortmund
Having lost the Bundesliga title on the last day of the 22/23 season, Edin Terzic knows that the Der Klassiker provides his side with a great opportunity to get one up on the record title holders. Dortmund are currently fourth in the Bundesliga, two points behind their opponents from Munich and four points off league leaders Bayer Leverkusen. Having survived their Pokal match against Hoffenheim midweek, they will be looking for another strong performance.
Gregor Kobel was substituted against Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend with a facial injury, but he was able to return for the midweek encounter against Hoffenheim. With Kobel fit to play, he’s definitely getting the start against Die Roten.
Along the backline, the Norwegian Julian Ryerson should start at right back. Former Bayern defender Mats Hummels will partner Nico Schlotterbeck in the heart of defense. Ramy Bensebaini will get the start in the left-back position.
Emre Can is a doubt for the game against Bayern. In the absence of Can, Saliha Ozcan may get the nod in the midfield along with Marcel Sabitzer. Marco Reus will play in the number ten role in front of the midfield pivot.
Julian Brandt will add plenty of creativity and an attacking threat from the left side, while Donyell Malen will start on the opposite flank. Niclas Fullkrug will certainly test the central defense of Bayern Munich.
"Predicted Starting XI Kobel Ryerson-Hummels-Schlotterbeck-Bensebaini Ozcan-Sabitzer Reus Malen-Fullkrug-Brandt"
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Score Prediction
Borussia Dortmund 2-2 Bayern Munich (Harry Kane and Sane)
As bad as this sounds, getting out of Dortmund with a draw after the week Bayern Munich has had would be an achievement. The roster is thin, injuries and suspensions are piling up, and I’m not sure we have two fit center-backs to play against a very strong Dortmund attack. Thomas Tuchel certainly has his work cut out for him to come back to Munich with points, but this is a game Die Roten can show why they are champions.