Bundesliga: A Der Klassiker Victory Would Lift Some Spirits

Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund

Exactly one year ago, we covered the Der Klassiker matchup between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Thomas Tuchel made his successful coaching debut at the Allianz Arena because his side won 4-2, a huge result that eventually led to their 11^th straight Bundesliga crown.

But fast forward to today: Tuchel’s days in Bavaria are numbered after confirming that he’ll leave Bayern Munich at the end of this season, and he’ll look to make his last few weeks count by giving the fans another Der Klassiker win and hopefully another Bundesliga title.

Bayern Munich are in unfamiliar territory because they’re trailing league leaders Bayer Leverkusen by 10 points, so now should be the time for them to make a late run.

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund are clinging to the fourth and final Champions League spot since RB Leipzig are hot on their heels.

Talking Points

Injury concerns for Bayern Munich

Thomas Tuchel is facing a potential lineup headache, as there’s a possibility that he’ll miss up to eight players ahead of this Der Klassiker clash, according to the Bundesliga 2024 updates.

Bayern Munich listed Kingsley Coman (knee), Raphael Guerreiro (thigh), Noussair Mazraoui (hamstring), and Manuel Neuer (adductor) as doubts, while Sacha Boey (thigh), Tarek Buchmann (thigh), and Bouna Sarr (knee) are unavailable to play on Saturday.

But the biggest concern for Bayern Munich is the fitness of their talisman Harry Kane, who was forced to sit out England’s matches against Brazil and Belgium during the international break after he picked up an ankle injury against Darmstadt two weeks ago.

Bayern Munich will sorely miss Harry Kane if he doesn’t play because he is their undisputed top scorer with 37 goals and 10 assists across all competitions this year. Mathys Tel will likely start if Kane is sidelined.

Jamal Musiala is another Bayern player to look out for since he has scored four goals in his last four games to bring his total to 12 goals and seven assists this term.

Borussia Dortmund have enough firepower

Borussia Dortmund are on a four-game winning streak across all competitions because they have regained their shooting boots, scoring nine goals during their unbeaten run.

Seven different players have found the back of the net for BVB, as Karim Adeyemi and Jadon Sancho recorded two goals, while Ian Maatsen, Donyell Malen, Marco Reus, Emre Can, and Mats Hummels all had one apiece.

Niclas Fullkrug hasn’t scored in a while, but he is still the team’s joint-top scorer alongside Donyell Malen with 12 goals and 10 assists this season, and he’ll be eager to break his scoring drought against their Der Klassiker rivals.

Marcel Sabitzer is still serving his league suspension, so Emre Can and Marco Reus will join Julian Brandt in midfield this Saturday. Brandt is currently the Yellow Wall’s top assist provider, with 11, including eight, to lead the German top-flight.

History

This fixture needs no introduction to SBOTOP football fans, as the stakes are high in every game between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

Thomas Tuchel’s men demolished Edin Terzic’s side in their reverse fixture last November, as Dayot Upamecano and Harry Kane (hat-trick) found the back of the net in the 4-0 victory.

Bayern Munich have been particularly dominant in the Der Klassiker lately because they are undefeated in their 10 league meetings against Borussia Dortmund (W9, D1), including a nine-game winning streak at home while scoring 37 goals.

Jadon Sancho and Marco Reus are the only active players from the last time Borussia Dortmund defeated Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga in November 2018, and the former was BVB’s last scorer in their last competitive Der Klassiker victory during the 2019 DFL Supercup final.

This Saturday, Mats Hummels will make his 29^th Der Klassiker appearance in the Bundesliga, a new record (22 for BVB and six for Bayern Munich).

Betting Tip

The Bundesliga 2024 odds predict that Bayern Munich will prevail against Borussia Dortmund this Saturday, as the hosts are at 1.38 odds to win, whereas the visitors are 5.30 underdogs, and the draw is at 5.10 in the 1X2 market.

While a Correct Score of 4-0 in favour of the Bavarians – the result of their reverse fixture – is on the cards at a high price of 18.50, bettors shouldn’t rule out BVB completely since they’re in fine form.

Perhaps the safest bet is going for a high-scoring game since both teams have weapons. Other than our recommended bet above, you may also consider alternatives like Total Goals 2-3 at 2.69, Total Goals 4-6 at 1.99, or Over 4.25 at 2.25.

 

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