Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund: Preview, predictions and lineups

Bayern Munich host Borussia Dortmund on Saturday at a rare time when neither side harbour realistic hopes of winning the title.

While Der Klassiker is always worth setting time aside for, Bayern are ten points behind Bayer Leverkusen at the top while Dortmund are locked in a tight battle to finish inside the top four and qualify for the Champions League.

It’s an unusual setting for Germany’s biggest fixture but both sides will be desperate for bragging rights. Bayern’s form has picked up in recent weeks while Dortmund have won their last three league matches, with both sides preparing for the Champions League quarter-finals in April.

Here’s 90min’s preview of Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund.

Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current Form (all competitions)

Despite leaving the England camp early with a minor issue, Harry Kane is back in training and should start this game, having bagged a hat-trick in the reverse fixture. Aleksandar Pavlovic is also in contention after recovering from tonsillitis, while Leroy Sane and Manuel Neuer should shake off minor complaints.

There’s a problem at right-back with Sacha Boey suffering a hamstring tear and Noussair Mazraoui out with a thigh problem. Raphael Guerreiro may also miss out alongside Kingsley Coman.

Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1): Ulreich; Kimmich, Dier, De Ligt, Davies; Laimer, Goretzka; Sane, Muller, Musiala; Kane.

Former Manchester United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer is serving a suspension and won’t face his old club Bayern, while Ramy Bensebaini is unlikely to play again this season after picking up a knee ligament injury on international duty.

The Algerian joins goalkeeper Gregor Kobel on the treatment table, but Sebastian Haller, Felix Nmecha and Jadon Sancho will all be fit enough to feature for Edin Terzic on Saturday evening.

Julian Ryerson recovered from illness during the international break and is also available.

Borussia Dortmund predicted lineup vs Bayern Munich (4-3-3): Meyer; Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen; Ozcan, Can, Brandt; Sancho, Fullkrug, Malen.

Munich are always the favourites for this fixture and look set for a steady end to the campaign in spite of their disappointing Bundesliga title defence and Thomas Tuchel’s impending exit.

Dortmund will be out for revenge considering the battering they were handed earlier this season and really need the points with RB Leipzig just one point behind them in fifth place.

Both teams need to maintain momentum ahead of the Champions League quarter-finals, but Bayern will likely find a way to win here.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-1 Borussia Dortmund

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90 Mins