Bayern v BVB: Predicted line-ups for the Klassiker showdown | OneFootball

This Saturday evening, the Allianz Arena hosts the top clash of Matchday 7 in the Bundesliga. This is how Bayern’s starting XI against BVB could look.

Bayern Munich head into their home match against Borussia Dortmund (6:30 p.m., live on Sky) with a perfect record. After six wins in six games, Vincent Kompany’s team want to extend their lead over the direct chasers—likely with an almost unchanged lineup.

Captain Manuel Neuer is a lock in goal. The back four in front of him is expected to start again with Sacha Boey on the right, Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah in central defense, and Konrad Laimer at left back. Laimer continues to deputize for Alphonso Davies, who is out injured along with Hiroki Ito and Josip Stanisic. Raphael Guerreiro is also a doubt after a knock in the Frankfurt game but could at least make the squad. As such, Bayern’s defense virtually picks itself.

Bayern with Pavlovic or Goretzka alongside Kimmich?

In central midfield, Joshua Kimmich is nailed on. It remains open whether he will be partnered by Aleksandar Pavlovic or Leon Goretzka. Both recently delivered strong performances for Germany—Goretzka offers more physicality, Pavlovic the better passing. Against a deep-lying Dortmund side, the latter could have a slight edge.

No changes are expected in the attacking trio: Michael Olise starts on the right, Luis Diaz on the left. Serge Gnabry operates in the middle, while Harry Kane is set as the lone striker. The Englishman scored his 11th league goal of the season in Frankfurt and also looked in top form for the national team.

Projected Bayern starting XI at a glance: Neuer – Boey, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer – Kimmich, Pavlovic – Olise, Gnabry, Diaz – Kane

Borussia Dortmund also travel to Munich brimming with confidence and remain unbeaten in the league. Coach Niko Kovac will have to do without, among others, Emre Can (adductor issues), Julien Duranville (shoulder injury), and Cole Campbell (U20 World Cup). Niklas Süle is still not an option for the starting XI. Against Bayern’s potent attack, BVB are likely to set up with a solid back three and a deep defensive shape, while relying above all on pace down the flanks.

Projected BVB starting XI at a glance: Kobel – Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini – Ryerson, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson – Adeyemi, Beier – Guirassy

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany was combative in his pre-match press conference: “We’re looking forward to this game. We’re at home, we’re absolutely, absolutely up for it.” A win would extend the lead to seven points—motivation enough for the German record champions.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.