VS
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
October 4th, 2015; 17:30 pm local time
***
After the disappointment of last season, Borussia Dortmund are in emphatic form and would meet league leaders Bayern Munich with genuine optimism and positive expectations.
Bayern Munich, as expected, sit on top of the table but would genuinely be wary of their chances against a rejuvenated Dortmund.
The subtext for the game has to be rumors claiming Jurgen Klopp might be ready to take the managerial post at Bayern next season.
Team news & Tactics
Bayern Munich
Seven matches into the new season, reigning German champions Bayern hold a four-point lead over second-placed Borussia Dortmund at the top of the Bundesliga. Dortmund’s resurgence has made people ignore the fact that the reigning champion’s emphatic form has seen them break the record for the best start, last set by themselves back in the 2012-13 campaign.
The current form of Robert Lewandowski will see the hosts be even more confident of their chances. The Poland international has scored 10 out Bayern’s 23 goals. With just three goals conceded, Bayern’s defence has also been solid.
Bayern are sweating over the fitness of Arturo Vidal. If the Chilean is not fit in time to start, Juan Bernat or Mario Gotze will start in place. Arjen Robben might make an awaited return, although it is unlikely that he will feature for long if he does. Mehdi Benatia, Franck Ribery and Holger Badstuber all remain out with long-term issues.
Possible lineup (4-3-3): Neuer; Alaba, Boateng, Mart nez, Lahm; Vidal, Alonso, Alcantara; Costa, Lewandowski, Muller
. 
Borussia Dortmund
Klopp’s successor Tuchel has made quite an impact since taking over, guiding Dortmund to 11 successive wins across three competitions, though “The Black and Yellows” have slightly faltered of late, drawing their last two league games. While a couple of draws might not be a big deal in other leagues — after all, the side is still undefeated — if Dortmund want to compete for the title, they can’t drop cheap points.
Matt Hummels was furious after Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Dramstad, but the game had a silver lining as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice, becoming the only player in Bundesliga history to score in the first seven matches of the season.
One problem for Tuchel might be that Guardiola can overwhelm the Dortmund defense with the attacking personnel he has at his disposal because Dortmund does not play with the defensive holding midfielder much anymore. 20-year-old Julian Weigl has been really good, but he seems more of a deep lying distributor, than a proper defensive midfielder.
Dortmund need at least a point, if not three, to keep pressure on their opponents as they wouldn’t want Bayern to have a big lead so early in the season.
Possible Line-up (4-2-3-1): Burki; Schmelzer, Hummels, Sokratis, Ginter; Weigl, Gundogan; Mkhitaryan; Kagawa, Reus; Aubameyang
Key stats:
- Bayern have won their last 8 matches in the Bundesliga.
- In the last 6 meetings between these two sides, not a single game has ended in a draw. Bayern and Dortmund have won 3 each.
- Both teams are unbeaten in the Bundesliga.
Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich)
Even though Lewandowski is the Bayern player in the limelight right now, Douglas Costa has arguably been the player of the season for the Bavarians so far. The Brazilian has been a brilliant signing for the club and has 1 goal and 5 assists in the league. The 26-year-old will be a tough man for the Dortmund defence to handle, and keeping him quiet would be an important step in getting a favorable result at the Allianz Arena.
Final prediction
Bayern Munich 3 Borussia Dortmund 2
Even though Tuchel has propelled Dortmund to a great start to the league, it would be near impossible for any team to stop a Bayern side in such an emphatic form. Bayern will face a side who will fancy their chances in the game. It most certainly won’t be easy for the Bavarians, but on current form, a win at home seems like a piece of cake for Guardiola’s side. Expect Bayern to widen the gap on top of the table.
Blast from the past
