Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich Preview
All the latest news and information as Borussia Dortmund host Bayern Munich in what could be a Bundesliga title-decider on Tuesday evening.
Borussia Dortmund Predicted XI vs Bayern Munich
Bürki; Piszczek, Hummels, Akanji; Hakimi, Can, Brandt, Guerreiro; Sancho, Haaland, Hazard
Bayern Munich Predicted XI vs Borussia Dortmund
Neuer; Pavard, Boateng, Alaba, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Gnabry, Müller, Coman; Lewandowski
Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich Preview
They may be no fans in attendance but the eyes of the world will be on Borussia Dortmund’s Westfelstadion as they face Bayern Munich on Tuesday evening with the title race still very much alive. In recent years Dortmund have had something of a mental block against Bayern but under Lucien Favre they will feel better placed than ever to upset the perpetual favourites. Since the winter break Dortmund have secured 27 points from ten games to leave themselves within four points of the leaders with just seven games to go.
Dortmund looking balanced
Favre introduced a 3-4-3 system in December and Dortmund have looked a much more balanced side ever since. The boundless energy of wing-backs Raphael Guerrerio and Achraf Hakimi provides the width and allows greater interplay between the three forwards. In Jadon Sancho, Thorgan Hazard and Erling Haaland, they have one of the most dangerous frontlines in Europe and will look to exploit Bayern’s aging defence. Sancho in particular has shown that he belongs amongst the world’s elite this season and has provided 14 goals and 16 assists in the Bundesliga.
Bayern Munich unbeaten in 2020
Dortmund have had an incredible 2020 but will face the only Bundesliga side with a better record when they host Bayern Munich. The Bavarians are unbeaten so far this year and have been so impressive that interim boss Hansi Flick was given a permanent contract in April. Flick appears to have settled on Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman as the long-term successors to Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben with youngster Alphonso Davies adding an additional threat down the left.
The biggest beneficiary of Bayern’s strength in wide areas is Robert Lewandowski who has hit the finest form of his illustrious career. The 31-year-old has scored 27 goals from just 25 Bundesliga games this season and is currently just three off his personal best. The Pole scored a hat-trick in Der Klassiker two years ago and notched a brace in this season’s reverse fixture; he will be hoping for a similar return this time out.
Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke: Injuries and Suspensions
Borussia Dortmund returned from the coronavirus suspension with a number of key players unavailable due to injury but now appear to have the majority of their squad back in contention. Jadon Sancho should have gained some match fitness after an assist-making substitute appearance against Wolfsburg on Saturday and Mats Hummels, who was withdrawn in that fixture due to a heel injury, should be fit to play.
Speaking in Monday’s press conference Favre said was optimistic about the fitness of Axel Witsel who had been out with a muscular complaint: “Witsel started to train with the team yesterday [Sunday]. He could be in the squad”, said Favre.
The news from the Bayern camp is less positive with playmaker Thiago Alcantara ruled out with an adductor problem. He trained individually on Sunday but has not travelled with the team to Dortmund. There are also question marks over the fitness of Serge Gnabry who was rested from the starting XI against Eintracht Frankfurt but is believed to be likely to start. Midfielders Corentin Tolisso and Philippe Coutinho are both still out with ankle injuries.
Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich: What they said
Michael Zorc (Borussia Dortmund Sporting Director): "When you play without fans it's going to be determined by the values we showed on the pitch in the previous two games. The team has been right on point.
"Obviously, you don't have to be a prophet when you say: If we want to keep competing for the title, we have to win the match. It's as simple as that.”
Hansi Flick (Bayern Munich Head Coach): “In January they brought in two reinforcements, two players who bring huge character: Emre Can in defence and Erling Haaland in attack.
“They’re among the best teams in Europe. We have to be at our best and be prepared.”
Prediction:
In previous seasons the second Der Klassiker fixtures has seen Bayern exert their dominance over Dortmund on their way to the league title. This year’s Dortmund side are more experienced and seemed better equipped to deal with Bayern’s offensive threat, but they will be without the raucous home atmosphere that they can usually count on. There will be goals, and they will probably be distributed more evenly than in recent matches. 2-2