Bayern Munich will host Borussia Dortmund after a week full of fascinating fixtures in the Bundesliga. The record champions are currently leading the table with 65 points but are on the back of a 1:0 defeat at the hands of TSG Hoffenheim.
A win against Dortmund could be a massive step ahead as they look to claim their fifth successive Bundesliga title. Bayern will seek revenge after falling at the hands of Dortmund in the reverse fixture. Here is the predicted Bayern Munich lineup versus the Black and Yellows.
Goalkeeper: Sven Ulreich is not having a great time filling up the shoes of Manuel Neuer. The former Stuttgart man conceded the goal which led to a defeat against Hoffenheim in midweek. He needs to perform better if he is to preserve a clean sheet against a strong Dortmund attack.
Right Back: Philip Lahm will return to the field after missing the match against Hoffenheim. The former German world champion will be a key for Bayern as they look to dominate Dortmund.
Center Back(R): It will be interesting to see as to who starts in the centre back positions. Both Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez will be fit for the clash. The latter featured in the midweek game and odds do favour Boateng to partner alongside Mats Hummels in the defensive setup for FC Bayern.
Center Back(L): Mats Hummels will face his former club for the third time this season. He previously did have a hard time in keeping up with the pace against his former side, mostly due to the overwhelming jeers by the Dortmund faithful. This time, however, he will have the support of all the Bayern Munich fans behind him.
Left Back: David Alaba is a clear starter in the left back position for Bayern. The Austrian International didn’t manage to perform well against TSG in midweek but will be looking to turn the tables on Saturday.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Xabi Alonso will be fit to start, the Spaniard has been an important part of Bayern’s midfield this season. It’s needless to say that he is going to play a key role against Dortmund.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Arturo Vidal will partner alongside Xabi Alonso in the Bayern midfield. But the duo sure won’t have a stroll in the park up against a strong Dortmund midfield. Vidal’s physical play in the middle could set the tone for the other midfielders.
Central Midfielder: Thiago Alcantara will look to take advantage of all the work effort put in by Vidal and Alonso. Time and time again this season, Thiago has proven to be a great creative outlet for the record champions and he will look to provide another top notch performance versus BVB.
Right Wing: Arjen Robben still poses enough threat to BVB. The Dutchman has been a vital part for Bayern in their long journey of outwitting Borussia Dortmund in the past five years. His presence is sure to make life tougher for the opposition defence.
Left Wing: Franck Ribery was rested for the big clash this weekend. The Frenchman had to start from the bench against Hoffenheim on Tuesday. He will be 100% ready to go and stash the weak looking Dortmund defence.
Striker: Robert Lewandowski terribly failed to score against Hoffenheim in midweek. He trails Aubameyang by just one goal in top scorers chart this season.
However, the Polish International has performed incredibly well against his former club in the past.
