Bayern want to ‘show what we’re about’ in Der Klassiker against Borussia Dortmund

The eyes of the world will be on the Allianz Arena this Saturday as Bayern host Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker (kick-off at 6.30pm CET, live coverage on fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern app with our text commentary and free web radio). The Munich men are out to continue their impressive recent record against BVB with yet another win. “It’s an emotional game, a very important game in the Bundesliga with a big rivalry and history,” said coach Thomas Tuchel. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the match in our preview.

Check out the photos from final training on Friday:

State of play

Bayern are in fine goalscoring form after netting 13 times in the last two games. “We’re currently very much convinced of ourselves, are on a good run and in a good mood. We were very good in attack in recent games,” said Tuchel at his press conference on Friday. After two weeks off for the international break, it’s now time to wind up the Munich scoring machine once again with three points on the line once more against Dortmund. The objective is to build on those recent good performances prior to the break and take that momentum into the season’s final straight. “Now is the time where we need to show what we’re about,” stated Tuchel.

Read more from Tuchel at his press conference on Friday:

Opponent: Borussia Dortmund

Bayern have always proven a step too far for Dortmund in recent years, with nine home wins in the last nine Bundesliga Klassikers at the Allianz Arena. That’s why BVB boss Edin Terzic is hoping for a change this weekend: “It’s about time. Our goal is to go to Munich and finally turn things around and leave as winners.” He also knows that Bayern will do all they can to ensure that Borussia again return home emptyhanded. “What I’ve learned in past years is that Bayern always show their best side against us,” Terzic added.

However, Dortmund – who sit fourth in the table – will come to Munich in confident mood after a run of four straight wins in all competitions, including progress to the Champions League quarter-finals alongside Bayern. “I’m expecting an opponent that wants to win and continue their run. Dortmund are strong in attack, with lots of speed, and are flexible in their attacking play,” said Tuchel of Saturday’s opponents.

Read up on the facts ahead of Der Klassiker:

Team news

Bayern go into Der Klassiker without captain Manuel Neuer (adductor), Aleksandar Pavlovic (tonsilitis), Raphael Guerreiro (thigh), Sacha Boey (hamstring), Bouna Sarr (ACL) and Tarek Buchmann (muscular). Harry Kane, who suffered an ankle injury in the win over Darmstadt before the break, is available, as is Kingsley Coman after his MCL injury.

Coman is set to return after two months out to face his favourite opponent:

Dortmund come to Munich without the suspended Marcel Sabitzer and defender Ramy Bensebaini, who’s picked up a knee injury. A last-minute decision will be made on goalkeeper Gregor Kobel after he came down with a stomach bug. Sebastien Haller is fit again after his ankle injury, while Julian Ryerson is also available after being sidelined with a bout of dermatitis.

What the coaches say