Der Klassiker, Germany’s answer to El Clasico in La Liga. While it may not have such as intriguing history as its Spanish counterpart but when Borussia Dortmund meet FC Bayern, the passion is just as deep and the game is just as intense.
With 500km separating the Ruhr side and the Bavarians, Der Klassiker is not entirely based on geography or political success but on pure, undiluted footballing success and there has been a lot in the past few decades. Growing on seemingly to a global affair, the rivalry between Dortmund and Bayern is currently the best international marketing tool for Bundesliga.
Broadcasted in over 200 countries and potentially featuring up to 12 world cup winners, no doubt it will be a riveting contest as both sides look to gain new fans and monetize their respective international markets.
Now coming on to a more sporting scene, Bayern are currently leading the Bundesliga table with 24 points but ahead of second placed Leipzig by a greater goal difference. After the departure of Pep Guardiola in the summer, the club appointed former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti to take reigns. Under the guidance of Ancelotti, Bayern hasn’t looked as much potent even though the Italian handed them their one of the best starts to a season, in the early phases but performance deteriorated as opponents grew stronger.
The Bavarians, however, have, lately, boasted a good record against the Black and Yellows. Undefeated in their last seven meeting against Dortmund – Bayern’s last defeat in this fixture dates back to the 2014 super cup(2:0 Dortmund).
Speaking of Super cups, Carlo Ancelotti’s side lifted the super cup earlier this season, with a 2:0 win over Dortmund but the former Real Madrid boss has lost four of his nine competitive games against the Ruhr outfit – more than any other German team.
As for Dortmund, they are suffering an inferior start to the campaign, already dropping 12 points in 10 games, BVB are fifth in the table with 18 points, six behind their weekend’s opponents Bayern. The leaky defence has been a reason to their demise for the past few seasons. Conceding 12 goals this campaign, six more than Bayern, Tuchel’s side should steady their ship if they are to shut out Bayern – who themselves have scored in each of their last 19 Bundesliga games – a league best. They haven’t been shut out since a goalless draw in Dortmund in March 2016.
Borussia Dortmund, however, tend to do well at home, Die Schwarzgelben are in 26 Bundesliga home games – a club record! But slow down, Bayern were the last side to leave all three points at home(1:0, April 2015).
German International, Thomas Muller scored as many as 19 goals last season but is currently experiencing a 682-minute goal drought, yet to score in the Bundesliga this term, the 27-year-old also got involved in a feud by insulting San Marino in the international break. A different Muller in Hamburg’s Nicolai, however, found the back of the net twice, playing against Dortmund in matchday 10.
Mario Götze could face Bayern for the first time since leaving them in summer to re-join Dortmund. He made 73 Bundesliga appearances for the Bavarians (22 goals + 14 assists). His brother, Felix, has been named in two FCB top-flight squads this season. While Mats Hummels is in line to face his former club for the second time, after he was intensely jeered by BVB fans in the first half, as Bayern won over Dortmund in penalty shootouts in the Supercup 2016.
Team News
The vast majority of players returned to team training for Dortmund after a difficult week when key players such as Marco Reus, Andre Schurrle, Raphael Guerreiro, Gonzalo Castro were all out through injury.
Star winger Marco Reus, out since May due to a muscle injury, returned to training back in October and is finally fit for game time. “He’s well on his way” – said Michael Zorc, Dortmund’s sporting director, adding that the Dortmund-born winger is making a good impression in training. “Marco’s fired up” – he said. Reus was even expected to start on the bench but a turn of events saw the 27-year-old, injuring his heel, and therefore is ruled for the Bayern clash completely. Portuguese newcomer Raphael Guerreiro will also be out after his recent muscle injury.
Bayern’s midfielder Arturo Vidal and winger Kingsley Coman has suffered wounds and therefore, becomes doubtful to feature against Dortmund. The Chilean however, has recovered from his problem but star winger Arjen Robben and top performer Javi Martinez has been ruled out due to injuries.
Related Reading
Predicted Bayern Munich Lineup Vs Borussia Dortmund: Is This The Bayern Team That Can Establish Dominance?
Predicted 4-5-1 Borussia Dortmund Lineup vs Bayern Munich: Is This The Dortmund Team That Thrashes Bayern?
Predicted Scoreline
Dortmund 1:1 Bayern
