Bayern Munich face an early test of their title credentials when they travel to the Westfalenstadion to take on Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Hansi Flick’s men have won 25 out of 26 games in all competitions since the 2019/20 season resumed in May. They finished 13 points clear of Dortmund to win the Bundesliga title last term, then completed the treble by beating PSG in the Champions League final.
The only aberration was a shock defeat to Hoffenheim on September 27. However, Bayern Munich have bounced back with four straight league wins.
That leaves them top of the table, ahead of Dortmund by virtue of goal difference. They will now be determined to put Lucien Favre’s side to the sword on Saturday.
Bayern Dominate Head-to-Heads
These teams have met twice since the restart. It finished 1-0 to Bayern Munich on May 26, when a first half strike from Joshua Kimmich settled matters.
They then locked horns in the German Super Cup on September 30, and Bayern picked up a 3-2 victory courtesy of another late winner from Kimmich.
That should give the European champions confidence as they prepare to face their most formidable domestic rivals.
Lewandowski Leads the Charge
Dortmund have also won five out of six league matches so far this season. The irrepressible Erling Haaland has already hit five goals in five games, and Dortmund looks strong in attack.
However, their defensive weaknesses were exposed in a 3-1 Champions League defeat to Lazio. They were also underwhelming in a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Augsburg.
One of Dortmund’s greatest strengths in the passionate home crowd inside the Westfalenstadion – the yellow wall is famous across Europe – but that has been negated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bayern should prove too strong for Dortmund this weekend. Robert Lewandowski is already on 10 goals in just five games, while Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sané form an outrageously talented supporting cast. They can cause all sorts of problems for Dortmund’s defenders.
Tip: Bayern Munich to win
Stake: One Unit
