Bayern ready for 'treat' of a game away at Borussia Dortmund

It’s Klassiker time in the Bundesliga as Bayern head to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday with both teams level on points at the top of the table (kick-off at 6.30pm CET, coverage via our live text commentary and free web radio). “The two best teams in the Bundesliga are facing each other,” stated Serge Gnabry. “Whoever wins the game will take a lot of confidence for the rest of the season. On top of that, the game has a lot of international attention,” the winger added as fcbayern.com brings you all you need to know on the top-of-the-table clash.

Check out the best photos from training on Friday as Bayern completed their preparations for the Klassiker at Dortmund:

Situation for Bayern

Bayern are once again top of the pile in Germany after their 2-1 win at Köln was followed by RB Leipzig’s 1-0 loss at Borussia Mönchengladbach last weekend. The treble winners also recorded a 6-2 victory away at Red Bull Salzburg during the week as they took a big step towards the Champions League knockout stage. All in all, Hansi Flick’s side have been in top form during this intense period of fixtures. “The mentality and desire to win are top. Of course, you’re also critical with the team as a coach, but you also have to make clear that what we’ve achieved in recent weeks has been outstanding,” the 55-year-old said at his press conference on Friday. FCB have won nine games in a row now, which began with a 3-2 victory over Dortmund in the Supercup. The Reds now intend to extend it further again against BVB.

Opponents Dortmund

Borussia come into the Klassiker in excellent form. Currently second in the table, they have won their last four games in all competitions without conceding a single goal. In the league, they have let in just two goals after six matchdays, meaning Lucien Favre’s side have the tightest defence in the Bundesliga. It adds to their less surprising attacking ability around striker Erling Haaland. “They have enormous quality in their transition play into attack. BVB make good runs in behind with very quick players. Haaland isn’t the only one we need to look out for. We need 100% as a whole team,” Flick demanded.

Listen to Hansi Flick’s pre-match press conference again:

Personnel

While Alphonso Davies (ankle) and Tanguy Nianzou (recovery training after a thigh problem) remain sidelined, Bayern also travel to Dortmund without Niklas Süle and Joshua Zirkzee following their positive COVID-19 tests. On the other hand, Corentin Tolisso is available again after his two-match domestic suspension. Leon Goretzka, who missed the Salzburg game with a calf problem, has also trained with the team again. “We’re planning with him,” Flick confirmed.

As for Dortmund, they’re without long-term absentees Marcel Schmelzer and Dan-Axel Zagadou as they recover from knee injuries. Emre Can returned to training on Thursday after his enforced absence due to COVID-19. “We have to see because he was away for a long time,” said BVB coach Favre. A question mark also remains over Mats Hummels after he missed the 3-0 win at Club Brugge in the Champions League. “We’ll have to see tomorrow whether he can play or not,” Favre stated on Friday.

Coaches’ view

Hansi Flick: “It’s the Klassiker and the whole world is watching. It’s yet more motivation. We’re very confident and will try everything to win the game. It’s about making the fewest mistakes possible and not allowing them a lot of space. I’m looking forward to the game. It’s a treat for the coaches, players and the fans.”

Lucien Favre (Borussia Dortmund head coach): “We’re focussing on ourselves and are looking forward to the game. Bayern are on the whole very good. They press high and take risks. Of course, that has its positives but also some negatives. The last two games against Bayern were good. We need to put in an even better performance and defend very well.”

Find out what else is important in the Klassiker with our facts and figures: