Prediction: Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich

Verdict: Bayern Munich

Best Odds: 24/23

Bookmaker: 888Sport

Bundesliga main rivals Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich head into this weekend’s Der Klassiker in contrasting run of form after an equally opposing start to the new season.

Without a win in their last three league matches, the BVB welcome Bavarians who are looking to reignite their Bundesliga campaign and we are definitely in for a treat.

Borussia Dortmund

After a disappointing season which saw them part ways with former head coach Thomas Tuchel, Borussia Dortmund went off to a flying start under the leadership of the new man in charge Peter Bosz.

The running campaign was kicked off with a Super Cup defeat against – who else – Bayern Munich but it only sparked a strong reaction from the Yellow and Blacks who won their next four matches on the trot to claim a strong stake at the beginning of the season. Once again up and flying in form with some rather impressive displays along the way, Dortmund led the way in Germany but eventually saw their form flutter over the past couple of weeks. The 5-0 DFB Pokal win over Magdeburg is the only win in last six matches for Dortmund and it’s fair to say the following Der Klassiker comes as a possible turning point for the home side who are looking to revitalise their season. Dortmund missed a chance to record what would have been a morale-boosting Champions League win this week as they were forced to settle for a draw against APOEL. The German side fired 30 shots on goal but could not go beyond a point and that is something that could possibly place additional pressure on players’ back ahead of the Bayern clash.

Team News

Peter Bosz is facing a long list of absentees that will only add fuel to fire at Dortmund.

The likes of Durm, Piszczek, Reus, Rode and Zagadou are all ruled out through injury and will not be able to help their teammates in Der Klassiker.

Bayern Munich

Contrary to their biggest rivals’ form, Bayern Munich are slowly beginning to find their rhythm after a disappointing start to the campaign which saw the club part ways with legendary Carlo Ancelotti and bring Jupp Heynckess back from retirement.

The experienced tactician hit the ground running and is doing exactly the thing he was brought to do with his Bayern Munich currently enjoying a run of six triumphs in all competitions. Heynckess is turning out to be a perfect short-term option for the remainder of the season as he is a man who knows the club inside and out having previously enjoyed some fantastic times in Munich. The Bavarians are high on morale and on form after beating RB Leipzig twice in a row – in DFB Pokal and in Bundesliga respectively – before finishing it off with a commanding 2-1 triumph away at Celtic. Evenly spread goals from Coman and Martinez helped Bayern Munich secure qualification to the knockout stages of Europe’s elite competition which will have been the perfect introduction and warm-up for the big game this weekend. The Allianz Arena-based club won only one of the last four Der Klassiker matches and will be determined to end the poor stretch this time out.

Team News

Thomas Muller returned to training following his thigh injury but Der Klassiker could still be coming too early for the Germany forward.

Bernat, Manuel Neuer and Franck Ribery all continue to miss out whereas the visitors are hopeful Robert Lewandowski will be fit to feature.

Key Factors to Consider

• Dortmund won only 1 of their last 6 matches in all competitions
• BVB fired 30 shots but managed only 1 goals vs APOEL
• Bayern Munich are on a six-match winning run
• Bavarians conceded only two goals during their last 6 matches
• Dortmund defeated Bayern only once in last five home encounters

Conclusion

Der Klassiker is always tough to predict as current form and team quality play a little part when two of Germany’s greatest clubs collide in one of the most anticipated matches in Europan football. Hosts are enduring a rough patch at the moment and our vote of confidence will still go with the Bavarians this time around.

Verdict: Bayern Munich

Best Odds: 24/23

Bookmaker: 888Sport