Bayern Munich welcome title rivals Borussia Dortmund for a crucial top-of-the-table clash…
Bayern Munich will take on Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
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Bayern are a point behind league leaders Dortmund, and the outcome of this fixture may have a big impact in the title race this season.
The Bavarians have been the more dominant team when these two teams have played each other in the recent past. The defending champions, under new boss Thomas Tuchel, will be confident of bouncing back to winning ways after their defeat against Bayer Leverkusen in their previous league outing – a result that preceded the end of Julian Nagelsmann's tenure as head coach.
Dortmund's form has been impressive. They have only lost one out of their last 14 outings and are atop the standings. Their excellent form means that the upcoming clash promises to be an exciting Der Klassiker for the fans.
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Recent form
Bayern Munich caused a shock when they announced the departure of Julian Nagelsmann, with the club still competing for trophies this season.
New boss Thomas Tuchel will have his work cut out as they are a point behind league leaders and their next opponents Dortmund after 25 rounds in the Bundesliga. They will want to quickly bounce back to winning ways following a 1-2 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen in their previous outing.
Key players
Jamal Musiala has delivered 11 goals and eight assists for Bayern in the Bundesliga this season, and is the club's topper in both categories. The performances of the talented Germany international has placed him in the limelight and will be the key for Bayern in this title race. Tuchel will be hoping his key player can at least make an impact off the bench following an injury that has kept him out of Germany's friendlies during the international break.
Injuries & suspensions
Bayern have two fresh injury concerns to deal with ahead of their first game under new boss Thomas Tuchel.
Key players Jamal Musiala and Eric Choupo-Moting are doubtful to start the Der Klassiker and it is a race against time to get them ready for the big game.
Tuchel will also miss the presence of long-term absentees Lucas Hernandez and Manuel Neuer.
Tactical approach
Bayern have scored more and conceded fewer goals than league leaders Dortmund. However, the defending champions have been inconsistent.
Tuchel is an astute tactician and will set up his team to not only take the game to their opponents but also convert draws to wins.
Goalkeepers:Sommer, Ulreich, SchenkDefenders:De Ligt, Upamecano, Davies, Blind, Cancelo, Pavard, Stanisic, Sarr, Janitzek, MarusicMidfielders:Goretzka, Musiala, Wanner, Sane, KimmichForwards:Gnabry, Coman, Muller, Tel, Mane, Choupo-MotingBorussia Dortmund team news
Recent form
Dortmund have a one-point lead over second-placed Bayern in the Bundesliga standings. They have lost only once in their last 12 outings across all competitions. They are also unbeaten for 10 matches in the league and will be confident of extending their lead at the top of the table.
Key players
Only Kolo Muani has registered more assists than Dortmund's Raphael Guerreiro, who has set up eight goals for his club. He will be the key to unlocking Bayern's defence which has been the best in the league so far.
Injuries & suspensions
Julian Brandt missed the last two games for Dortmund but could make his return to the matchday squad after the international break.
Gregor Kobel, Karim Adeyemi and Youssoufa Moukoko remain sidelined due to injuries and there is concern regarding the fitness of England star Jude Bellingham.
Tactical approach
Dortmund have a potent attack capable of converting chances. Their confidence will be sky high after scoring six goals against Koln in their last outing.
Goalkeepers:Meyer, Lotka, UnbehaunDefenders:Schlotterbeck, Guerreiro, Schulz, Hummels, Meunier, Rothe, Sule, Coulibaly, PapadapoulosMidfielders:Dahoud, Ozcan, Reyna, Reus, Wolf, Passlack, Can, Bellingham, Gurpuz, Ryerson, BrandtForwards:Malen, Haller, Modeste, GittensHead-to-head record
Bayern have been the more dominant team in the Der Klassiker. Tuchel's team has won four out of the last five meetings against Dortmund. Earlier this season, they were held to a 2-2 draw by the current league leaders.
October 8, 2022Dortmund 2-2 BayernBundesligaApril 23, 2022Bayern 3-1 DortmundBundesligaDecember 4, 2021Dortmund 2-3 BayernBundesligaAugust 18, 2021Dortmund 1-3 BayernSuper CupMarch 6, 2021Bayern 4-2 DortmundBundesligaAdvertisementGetty ImagesBayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund match previewVenue, date & kick-off time
Der Klassiker between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will be played at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, April 1. The game is scheduled to kick off at 5.30pm BST (1.30pm EDT/10pm IST).
Match predictions & expected outcome
With the season moving towards a climax, Der Klassiker fixture between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund could very well prove decisive in the Bundesliga title race. Only a point separates the two teams with Tuchel taking over the reins in place of Nagelsmann, Bayern may have found renewed energy to beat Dortmund and get back on track.
Key battles to watch out for
With so much riding on Der Klassiker on Saturday, the key battle will be in the midfield. Joshua Kimmich and co. will have to be alert against the in-form Guerreiro and vice versa. Winning the battle in the centre of the park will be key to getting all three points in this title race.
Potential game changers
Guerreiro will hope to carry his form into one of Dortmund's most important fixtures of the season. Having set up eight goals already, he could change the game by unlocking Bayern's league-best defence.
GettyOur final thoughts on the matchBayern must beat Dortmund to leapfrog their rivals to the top of the table in the title raceNew boss Tuchel will hope to have Jamal Musiala and Eric Choupo-Moting ready to make an impact, at least off the bench.Dortmund's recent form will give them confidence but it won't be an easy task to beat a reinvigorated Bayern under a new boss. GettyUseful links
Bayern team page
Dortmund team page
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