With the Bundesliga reaching its business end of the season, two of its biggest teams — Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich — are ready to face off in a clash that could potentially decide the title.
Although Bayern Munich are a clear five points ahead of second placed Borussia Dortmund, a loss in Der Klassiker could be detrimental for the Bavarians. It would mean letting Dortmund back into the title race, which would be down to two points.
An added incentive for the Bayern Munich players is that this season may be their last chance to win the Bundesliga with Pep Guardiola, as the Spaniard has already announced that he would be at the helm of affairs at Manchester City next season.
Meanwhile, Die Borussien are riding on the high of seven consecutive home wins, and making Bayern their eighth scalp in this match would be a big achievement. They would also be looking to take heart from the fact that the Bavarians lost their last match 1-0 to Mainz — their last loss of the season.
Lineups
Borussia Dortmund
Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Burki; Schmelzer, Hummels, Subotic, Piszczek; Gundogan, Weigl, Kagawa; Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang, Reus.
Bayern Munich
Possible Starting XI (4-1-4-1): Neuer; Bernat, Alaba, Boateng, Lahm; Alonso; Ribery, Douglas Costa, Muller, Robben; Lewandowski.
Key Stats
- The Bavarians have scored 11 goals in their last five matches in all competitions.
- Bayern Munich have scored only three goals from set pieces this season.
- Borussia Dortmund have scored two or more goals in 14 of their last 15 matches at home.
- Thomas Tuchel’s men are currently on a seven-match winning streak at home.
- They have also managed to keep five clean sheets in their last six matches.
Prediction
Borussia Dortmund 2-2 Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich’s aura of invincibility might just be coming to an end, with the Bavarians losing 1-0 to Mainz earlier this month. While Borussia Dortmund will be looking to take full advantage of this, Pep Guardiola would be aware of the importance of not losing a match of this stature. The Bavarains seem to have enough strength in their team, to eke out a draw, and keep their lead at the top of the Bundesliga table at five points.
Odds (Paddy Power)
Borussia Dortmund: 9/4
Draw: 12/5
Bayern Munich: 6/5
