Who was the genius who put The classic just after an international break? Marketing terms aside, Bayern Munich against Borussia Dortmund is one of the most important matches on the football calendar and it deserves better preparation.
Here again, this year’s edition no longer seems as important as before. Neither Bayern Munich nor Borussia Dortmund appear to be in the title race this season, and neither team can say they have played their best football. Still, this is a major game with premium billing – all eyes will be on what these two teams do next.
Team News
Both teams had to send players on international missions, but thanks to Julian Nagelsmann, BVB’s German players at least had a little mini-vacation. You have to wonder, have any of them tried skiing?
On the Bayern Munich side, the near-fit first teammate has participated in some form of international action over the past two weeks. Harry Kane (ankle) and Aleksandar Pavlović (tonsillitis) have both missed matches with their respective national teams and are considered doubtful for the classic — Pav more than Kane. Manuel Neuer is also doubtful for the match due to a muscle injury suffered at half-time. Furthermore, Bayern Munich has no new major injuries to report.
In terms of programming, what should we expect? Assuming Kane is 100% and ready to play, he should start – but if he isn’t, Thomas Tuchel should (but probably won’t) prioritize the first leg of the first leg. Champions League quarter-finals against Arsenal FC next month and let Kane drop this one. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting or Mathys Tel could probably hold the fort even against BVB, and catching Leverkusen seems so unlikely that it almost doesn’t matter.
The rest of the XI is probably constructed in the same way as against Lazio. Thomas Müller places himself behind the striker, with Jamal Musiala and a well-rested Leroy Sané on the wings. Leon Goretzka and Konrad Laimer could team up in midfield if Pavlović fails to get the nod.
Meanwhile, at the back, you’ll likely see Alphonso Davies and Joshua Kimmich at full-back positions, with Matthijs de Ligt and Eric Dier in the middle. Manuel Neuer should start between the sticks if he is fit, otherwise it will be Sven Ulreich who receives that honour.
This is what the programming could look like:
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