Matchday 24 of the Bundesliga will define the outcome of the title race. Bayern Munich have regained form over the last two weeks after a brief wobble in the league. They will be travelling to Signal Iduna Park to face their title rival- Borussia Dortmund.
Bayern have opened up a lead of eight points at the top of the table after last weekend’s nervy 3-2 win against Eintracht Frankfurt. Vincent Kompany’s men have struggled to remain flawless in Ruckrunde like they were in the first half of the season. However, Die Roten have managed to grind out results to ensure they remain a prime contender for the title.
Borussia Dortmund suffered a heartbreak in midweek against Atalanta in the Champions League. The Italian club defeated Dortmund 4-1 in Italy to qualify for the next round on an aggregate score of 4-3. It was a big blow for Dortmund’s season in Europe. However, their domestic form has been sensational in 2026, making them Die Roten’s closest contender for the Bundesliga trophy.
Team News
Manuel Neuer has not recovered in time to be fit for Der Klassiker. He has been ruled out for Saturday’s game, but the German goalkeeper should return to action in the next couple of weeks.
Alphonso Davies is also ruled out for the trip to Signal Iduna Park. The Canadian full-back is hoping to return to action in mid-March, provided how his recovery pans out. Hiroki Ito will miss the game against Dortmund due to injury, which gives Vincent Kompany something to ponder in the left-back position.
Konrad Laimer is available for this game after missing the clash against Eintracht Frankfurt. Aleksandar Pavlovic and Michael Olise are carrying knocks, but they are expected to be fine for Saturday’s game.
Predicted Starting XI
With Manuel Neuer ruled out for Der Klassiker, Jonas Urbig will start in the goal on Saturday. Urbig was unfortunate to concede two goals against Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend, as he couldn’t have done anything to keep those attempts out of the goal.
Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah will form the center-back partnership against Bayern. Konrad Laimer will slot in the right-back position, while Josip Stanisic should be the prime contender to play as left-back in the absence of Davies and Ito.
The selection in midfield is straightforward for Vincent Kompany. Joshua Kimmich will play alongside Aleksandar Pavlovic in the center of the park. Kimmich has struggled with consistency over the last few weeks. Die Roten will hope the experienced midfielder will step up and get back in form against Dortmund.
The attack picks itself as Kompany will go with his best front four for Saturday’s game. Luis Diaz will start on the left, while Olise will slot in the right-wing position. Jamal Musiala is slowly getting back to his best after a long injury lay-off. He is now ready to start games consistently, so a start against Dortmund wouldn’t be surprising. Harry Kane will lead the attack on Saturday.
Predicted Starting XI: Urbig; Stanisic, Tah, Upamecano, Laimer; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Diaz, Musiala, Olise; Kane
Score Prediction
Borussia Dortmund 2-3 Bayern Munich
With Dortmund excelling in the Bundesliga over the last few weeks, Bayern Munich will face a stern test on Saturday. It will be a tight encounter, but Die Roten’s irresistible attack will ensure that they come out on top.