Top match in Dortmund: Can Bayern exploit BVB’s systemic weakness? | OneFootball

When FC Bayern visit Borussia Dortmund on Saturday evening in the Bundesliga’s top match, there is far more than just prestige at stake. With an away win in Westphalia, the Munich side could move eleven points clear of BVB at the top of the table. It would not be a preliminary decision in the title race, but it would send a clear signal in the championship battle

The record speaks in favour of the record champions: FC Bayern have not lost in their last six visits to Dortmund. In addition, Julian Ryerson, an important Dortmund defender, will be missing. The Norwegian picked up his fifth yellow card in the 2-2 draw in Leipzig and will have to sit out against Bayern

Ryerson had big problems in Leipzig, with RB’s high-flyer Yan Diomande whirling around on the flanks and being almost unstoppable. Both of Leipzig’s goals came via BVB’s right side of defence

It was also noticeable that Diomande – who is usually more at home on the right – played on the left this time and caused a lot of unrest there. Luca Reggiani repeatedly found himself in difficult one-on-one situations as a right-sided central defender

Will the top match be decided on the wings?

Niko Kovac relies on a back three with wing-backs – an approach that can be vulnerable against teams with a classic back four and strong attacking full-backs

photo: IMAGO

It is precisely this BVB weakness that FC Bayern could target. Vincent Kompany also prefers to play with a back four and has two extremely assertive wingers in Luis Diaz and Michael Olise. Together, the duo have already scored 54 points in the Bundesliga this season

Leipzig’s success on the flanks could therefore also be the key for Bayern. If Munich can exploit the structural weaknesses in Dortmund’s system with similar consistency, the top match could indeed be decided on the wings.