Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich Preview: Team News & Prediction
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It’s time for Der Klassiker and it’s a must-win for Borussia Dortmund, who currently trail Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich by eight points.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – ESPN+
Borussia Dortmund preview: Last chance saloon
Borussia Dortmund lost two points of ground on Bayern Munich last weekend after drawing 1-1 with RB Leipzig whilst Bayern thrashed Hoffenheim. That leaves them three result swings behind their title rivals, underlining the importance of victory for Niko Kovac’s side, especially with home advantage being in their favour.
It’s been a nightmare week for Dortmund, who were dumped out of the Champions League in embarrassing fashion by Atalanta after surrendering a two-goal aggregate lead in Bergamo. They were reduced to nine-men in a 4-1 loss, as a last-gasp penalty subjected them to a 4-3 aggregate defeat.
Bayern Munich preview: Final big step
Bayern Munich know that three points in Dortmund would represent a seismic and potentially final step towards winning the Meisterschale for a second straight year under Vincent Kompany. Whilst their opponents have been in European action during the week, Bayern were able to rest up and solely prepare for this game.
Since their slight wobble back in late January which saw them pick up just a point in two fixtures against Augsburg and Hamburg respectively, Bayern have reverted back to type in February, winning three Bundesliga matches on the spin with 11 goals scored in the process, including at least three in each of those fixtures.
Borussia Dortmund team news: Right back suspended
Yan Couto will start for the hosts due to the suspension of Julian Ryerson and after starting on the bench in midweek, Karim Adeyemi may feature from the beginning in this one.
Predicted XI: (3-4-3): Kobel; Can, Anton, Schlotterbeck; Couto, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson; Brandt, Guirassy, Adeyemi
Unavailable: Mane (Injured), Ryerson (Suspended), Sule (Injured)
Questionable:
Bayern Munich team news: Will Neuer make it
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has trained on his own but the question is whether he will be fit enough to play. If he isn’t, then Jonas Urbig will start again for the Rekordmeister.
Predicted XI: (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Musiala, Diaz; Kane
Unavailable: Davies (Injured), Ito (Injured), Kiala (Injured)
Questionable: Kim (Injured), Neuer (Injured)
Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich prediction
Borussia Dortmund have no choice but to really try and take the game to Bayern Munich offensively, as a draw really does little for them. They need to go all out for the victory and if that means gambling by pushing multiple bodies forward and potentially leaving themselves exposed at the other end then so be it. Each of the last three fixtures between these two clubs have seen both teams score and the signs are there that we could see a repeat of that outcome here.
Also worth a notable mention is Harry Kane and specifically, his record against Dortmund. The England star has racked up eight goals in his last nine appearances vs these opponents across his time at Bayern and previously with Tottenham. He averages a goal every 66 minutes this season in the Bundesliga this season and has 28 already to his name. Expect him to make his mark once again at Signal Iduna Park.
Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich tip: Both teams to score and Harry Kane to score anytime
