Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund preview
It has been a rollercoaster of a week at Bayern Munich following the chaos that happened regarding their managerial appointment. Out of nowhere, news emerged that the German giants had agreed on a contract with former Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel. This means that despite reaching the quarter-final of the Champions League, Julian Nagelsmann got the sack.
And the Champions League manager will face the sternest test in his first match as he will take on his former club Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker. Tuchel managed the BVB for two years, between 2015-17. Now he will be tasked to ensure Bayern Munich win the match to reclaim the top spot in the league from Dortmund.
This season has been quite different for Bayern, with the record champions experiencing a fierce challenge from Dortmund and the impressive Union Berlin. However, their European campaign has been relatively smooth, with the Bavarians reaching the last eight and not conceding a single goal against the likes of Barcelona, Inter Milan and Paris Saint Germain.
On the other hand, Borussia Dortmund have mounted an impressive Bundesliga title bid. The team has won nine matches and drew one in their last ten matches. And while their Champions League run ended at the hands of Chelsea, it also leaves them with fewer matches from other competitions, allowing them to focus on Bundesliga.
However, their match against Bayern will test their mental toughness. Despite being brilliant, Dortmund have failed to win their last eight games against Bayern. In fact, their previous win in Der Klassiker came on November 10, 2018. And this represents the best chance for Dortmund to break that curse, given that Bayern Munich will play their first game under a new manager.
It's time to make a statement 🤜💥🤛
It's time to get real 💯
It's time to reach for the trophy 🏆#DerKlassiker | #Bundesliga pic.twitter.com/tQo3gThBJk
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) March 25, 2023
Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund team news
In the international break, Bayern Munich suffered a massive injury concern as Jamal Musiala had to leave the German squad after suffering a hamstring strain. Earlier, it was expected that the youngster would miss the Dortmund match, but the latest news suggests that he might be fit just in time for the game, which will be a massive boost for the Bavarians. Meanwhile, Eric Choupo Moting is also suffering from back trouble and could miss the match. Furthermore, Lucas Hernandez and Manuel Neuer continue to remain unavailable due to long-term injuries.
Bayern Munich Predicted Line-up: Sommer; De Ligt, Upamecano, Pavard; Davies, Kimmich, Goretzka, Cancelo; Sane, Musiala, Mane
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund are also without several of their first-team players, of which striker Karim Adeyemi’s absence is the most important. Others who are out with him are Youssoufa Moukoko, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Julien Duranville, and Mateu Morey. This means some players, such as Sebastien Haller and Donyell Malen, have had to step up, especially in the attack.
Borussia Dortmund Predicted Line-up: Meyer; Ryerson, Schlotterbeck, Sule, Wolf; Guerreiro, Can, Bellingham; Reus, Haller, Malen
Read more:
- Karel Geraerts: Union SG’s manager is taking the league and Europe by storm
- Max Johnston: Scottish flying full-back is a rising baller in the game
Thomas Tuchel has practically the whole team available for the first time in training today [📸 @itstheicebird] pic.twitter.com/zpTL3pku5k
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) March 30, 2023
Key Players
Bayern Munich are a team with a host of superstars who, on their day, can turn around a match on their own. However, if there is one player that is at the heart of the team, it is Joshua Kimmich. The German has been their midfielder-in-chief for many seasons and is the reason behind their immense success. And if he manages to bring his best against Dortmund, then a Bayern win will be the only outcome of the match.
If Bayern have Kimmich, then Borussia Dortmund have a star midfielder of their own in Jude Bellingham. The English midfielder has become an integral part of the Dortmund set-up and has been their best player across the season. Bellingham has completed the most dribbles of any player in the league and has also won the second-most fouls, which is why Dortmund have dominated the middle of the pitch.
Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund predictions
Unlike previous seasons, the Der Klassiker this season is a tie whose results will have significant consequences on the fate of the title race. While Bayern Munich have won every league title from the 2012-13 seasons, they now find themselves against an opponent far more motivated than the previous seasons to take their crown away.
However, with the home crowd of the Allianz Arena behind them, Bayern Munich will come out all guns blazing. FootTheBall predicts a 3-1 win for Bayern Munich.
