Bayern aiming to get big points in Dortmund - and 'keep marching on'

The stage is set for a showdown at the top of the Bundesliga table! FC Bayern visit closest rivals Borussia Dortmund on Saturday (live text and free Web Radio commentary from 18:30 CET on fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern app). The Reds can extend their cushion at the summit to 11 points with a win. How they intend to do that is revealed in our big match preview.

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After four consecutive wins in all competitions, Bayern travel to Dortmund with great confidence – and, crucially, well rested. Whereas BVB were in Champions League play-off action at Atalanta on Wednesday, the Bundesliga leaders have been able to prepare for this crunch match calmly and in fine weather in Munich. Dortmund were defeated by the Bergamo club, who now meet Bayern in the last 16 of Europe’s premier club competitio (more info).

Vincent Kompany’s men can also take encouragement from the reverse fixture against Dortmund in October, when goals from Harry Kane and Michael Olise saw Bayern win 2-1 (the match report) to claim their first victory over BVB in four meetings.

The facts on the clash with BVB:

“We've had a healthy anger in training, which I love,” said Kompany in his pre-match press conference. “We've had a very good week. These are the matches you play football for. In my head, it's only about winning. The chance to win there is the most awesome thing for me!" You could sense the coach’s excitement for this Bundesliga blockbuster. “We’ll certainly go for it,” he declared. Meanwhile, attacker Jamal Musiala promised that “our focus won’t drop”. Let it begin!

Catch up on all the key statements from the press conference here:

Opponents: Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund come into the meeting with confidence from the Bundesliga, but also with the blow in the Champions League. In last weekend’s 2-2 draw at RB Leipzig, Niko Kovač’s side again showed character to come from 2-0 down and earn a point, extending their unbeaten run in the league to 16 games. Four stoppage-time goals have earned them points so far this season. With a greater focus on defensive solidity, the Black and Yellows have conceded just 22 goals, the second-fewest after FCB (21), and the same number of big chances. “We always enjoy being able to test ourselves against the best,” said Kovač ahead of the game. “Bayern are a top team, the gold standard in Europe. It’s going to be a yardstick.”

However, BVB suffered a crushing setback in midweek. Despite holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg, they slipped to a 4-1 defeat at Atalanta and were eliminated from the Champions League. In the league, Borussia remain particularly dangerous in the air – they’ve scored the most headed goals (11) in the league as well as the most goals from corners (nine) and crosses (10). With 49 goals overall, the Black and Yellows boast the second-best attack in the league behind Bayern (85). Striker Serhou Guirassy has five goals in the last four league games. What’s more, BVB are the only side in the German top flight who are still unbeaten at home (W9, D2), so it’s going to be a true test for the leaders from Munich. “I expect BVB to apply real pressure, keep it really open with a lot of energy – they can do that, they're capable of really giving it a go,” added Kompany.

A closer look at the opponents:

Team news

Kompany provided a comprehensive personnel update in the pre-match press conference. “With Manuel Neuer it's looking good,” confirmed the Belgian. “We had thought he'd be out for longer but he might train with us today, then we'll discuss it right up until the game. If not, we'll go with Jonas Urbig, who's always filled in for him very well. Konrad Laimer has trained all week. And Alphonso Davies is running – he's doing well too and will be back for the important month of March.”

However, Hiroki Ito has dropped out of the trip to Dortmund at late notice (more info).

The hosts are without top provider Julian Ryerson (11 assists), who’s suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Niklas Süle and Filippo Mane are also out injured. Kovač confirmed that defensive pair Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre Can are in contention to start.

Test your knowledge on the upcoming Bundesliga clash with the Matchday Quiz:

What the coaches say