Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund clash in the first Der Klassiker of the season on Saturday at the Allianz Arena in what promises to be a fascinating encounter between Germany’s top two sides.
Both teams head into this fixture unbeaten, with Bayern boasting a perfect record of six wins from six in the Bundesliga. Dortmund have collected 14 points from four victories and two draws. A win for the visitors could cut Bayern’s lead to just one point, making this early-season showdown a cracking encounter.
Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 18th October.
- Kick-off: 5:30pm BST.
- Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich.
Bayern Munich Team News
Bayern Munich will be without several key players as they look to maintain their perfect start to the season. Jamal Musiala remains sidelined after fracturing his fibula during the Club World Cup in the summer. He is not expected back until at least November. The German international has been working hard on his rehabilitation, but this crucial fixture comes too soon for his return.
Left-back Alphonso Davies continues his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury suffered in March while on international duty with Canada. Fellow defender Hiroki Ito is also out with a metatarsal fracture sustained around the same time.
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl has expressed hope that all three long-term absentees could return before the end of 2025. Josip Stanišić is also unavailable due to a knee injury.
On a positive note, Harry Kane is fit and firing after overcoming an ankle knock sustained against Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this month. The England captain scored twice for his country in their 5-0 victory over Latvia, which sealed World Cup qualification.
Borussia Dortmund Team News
Dortmund have received a major boost with Serhou Guirassy returning to full training after recovering from a thigh problem. The Guinean striker is expected to lead the line at the Allianz Arena.
However, the visitors will be without captain Emre Can, who has missed the entire start of the season due to persistent groin issues. The 31-year-old midfielder is not expected to return until later in October at the earliest, with some reports suggesting his absence could extend into 2026.
Aaron Anselmino remains out with a muscular problem, while Julien Duranville is sidelined with a shoulder injury. Centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck has successfully returned from a six-month injury layoff and has been thrust straight back into the starting lineup by Kovač.
Form
Bayern Munich
Vincent Kompany’s side have made a sensational start to the 2025/26 campaign, winning all 10 of their competitive fixtures to set a new club record. Bayern became the first team in Bundesliga history to score 25 goals across the opening six matchdays, averaging more than four goals per game.
Their attacking prowess has been remarkable, with the Bavarians netting three or more goals in each of their last seven league fixtures. They stretched their advantage at the top of the table to four points last weekend with a commanding 3-0 victory away at Eintracht Frankfurt, with Luis Díaz scoring twice and Harry Kane adding another.
Bayern are currently on the longest unbeaten run across Europe’s top five leagues (15 matches in the Bundesliga) and have scored 25 goals while conceding just three. The champions are now targeting Dortmund’s historic record of 11 consecutive wins to start a Bundesliga season, set in 2015/16.
Borussia Dortmund
Niko Kovač has transformed Dortmund into title contenders since taking charge. His side unbeaten in their opening six Bundesliga matches (W4, D2). More impressively, BVB are undefeated in their last 14 Bundesliga games dating back to last season, and remain unbeaten across all nine competitive fixtures this campaign.
The Black and Yellows’ success has been built on defensive solidity, having conceded just four goals in six league games and keeping four clean sheets. They have allowed only one goal in their last five Bundesliga matches, showcasing the defensive strength and stability Kovač has instilled.
Dortmund held RB Leipzig to a 1-1 draw in their most recent Bundesliga outing, extending their unbeaten league run to 14 matches. Their last defeat came on Matchday 27 of last season, underlining the consistency they’ve developed under their Croatian manager.
Predicted Lineups
Bayern Munich: Neuer; Boey, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Gnabry, Díaz; Kane
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Couto, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson; Adeyemi, Guirassy, Beier
How to Watch Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund?
UK fans can watch the match live on Sky Sports Football.
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