Der Klassiker takes centre stage in the Bundesliga on Saturday, with Thomas Tuchel’s reign as Bayern Munich manager starting with a pivotal clash against Borussia Dortmund.
Following the sacking of Julian Nagelsmann, Tuchel’s first match as Bayern boss comes against his former club, as the 49-year-old managed Dortmund between 2015 and 2017.
First training session ✅📸#MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/tzAaHK1OyH— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) March 28, 2023
First training session ✅📸#MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/tzAaHK1OyH
With table-topping Dortmund leading second-placed Bayern by a solitary point, the importance of Saturday’s showdown cannot be overstated.
Let’s start by looking at the hosts, Bayern Munich, who parted company with Julian Nagelsmann last week after less than two years in charge.
The sacking came as a big shock to many outside the Bayern camp, as the Bavarians have only lost three of their 25 Bundesliga games this season.
It is also worth noting that Bayern have the best offensive record (72) and the best defensive record (27) in the German top flight.
Having avoided defeat in each of their last 25 home matches across all competitions, Bayern will be hopeful of kicking off the Tuchel era on a positive note.
That said, Borussia Dortmund will fancy their chances of spoiling the party at the Allianz Arena, as they head into Saturday's clash on a seemingly unstoppable hot streak.
Indeed, Dortmund have taken 28 points from a possible 30 since returning from the winter break, picking up nine wins and one draw in the process.
BVB thrashed FC Koln 6-1 before the recent international break, meaning they have won 12 of their previous 15 Bundesliga outings.
With only three defeats coming in their last 21 games across all competitions, Dortmund are well placed to ruin Tuchel’s debut in Bavaria.
Head-to-head: Dortmund came from 2-0 down to rescue a draw against Bayern in the reverse fixture back in October, netting a 95th-minute winner.
Although BVB have managed to win just four of their previous 30 away matches against Bayern, there is a sense that Edin Terzic’s men could buck that trend this time around.
Team news: Injured Bayern pair Jamal Musiala and Eric Choupo-Moting are expected to miss Saturday’s clash, while Manuel Neuer and Lucas Hernandez are out for the season.
Dortmund’s extensive injury list contains multiple key players, including Nico Schlotterbeck, Julian Brandt, Karim Adeyemi, Youssoufa Moukouko and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
Given that each of the last seven meetings between Bayern and Dortmund have produced over 3.5 goals, we should see another high-scoring encounter this weekend.
Forebet predicts that Bayern and Dortmund will combine for over 4.5 goals, with the visitors coming out on top after an epic battle.