Der Klassiker Showdown: Dortmund and Bayern Clash in Epic Battle - Team Lineups and Bold Predictions Inside

Bayern Munich possess the opportunity to seize full command of the Bundesliga championship battle as they travel to face Borussia Dortmund in the season's second Klassiker encounter of the 2025–26 season.

Bayern's setbacks against Hamburg and Augsburg early in the new year created a slight opening for Dortmund at the top, though Niko Kovač's squad remains eight points behind the table leaders heading into Saturday's showdown.

Therefore, this represents a crucial victory requirement for the home team to maintain their narrow championship aspirations, with three points at Signal Iduna Park reducing Bayern's advantage to five. Vincent Kompany's defending champions have secured three consecutive wins since their Hamburg draw, and unlike their rivals, they weren't subjected to any devastating Champions League setbacks before this matchup.

Dortmund have suffered only one defeat in Germany's premier division this season, yet their reputation for being difficult to overcome faced examination on Wednesday evening. Kovač's team held a 2–0 advantage to defend in their playoff second leg against Atalanta, but were overwhelmed 4–1 by La Dea to exit early from a tournament where they traditionally excel.

Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich Score Prediction

Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich Score Prediction

Bayern to Maintain Klassiker Supremacy

Bayern to Maintain Klassiker Supremacy

Borussia Dortmund frequently struggle to perform when the stakes are highest. This represents a vital victory requirement for the hosts to maintain their improbable hopes of securing their first Bundesliga crown since Jürgen Klopp's era.

Approaching a Klassiker following such a collapse is far from optimal, with Bayern Munich well-prepared and clearly the stronger team. Dortmund have been outstanding at home this campaign, yet the visitors are positioned to grasp this title 'contest' decisively and eliminate any legitimate uncertainty about who will lift the Meisterschale in May.

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 1–3 Bayern Munich

Borussia Dortmund Predicted Lineup vs. Bayern Munich

Borussia Dortmund Predicted Lineup vs. Bayern Munich

The dismissals received by Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini against Atalanta don't affect Saturday's match, with both players expected to feature in Kovač's starting eleven. Schlotterbeck wasn't playing when he received his red card in Bergamo, but he's overcome a minor injury ahead of Bayern's arrival.

Emre Can returned to action on Wednesday evening, though the hosts remain without Niklas Süle and Filippo Mane due to thigh problems.

Yellow card accumulation means wing-back Julian Ryerson faces suspension, making the compact Yan Couto a certain inclusion in Kovač's lineup.

Borussia Dortmund predicted lineup vs. Bayern Munich (3-5-2): Kobel; Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Couto, Nmecha, Bellingham, Sabitzer, Svensson; Guirassy, Beier.

Bayern Munich Predicted Lineup vs. Borussia Dortmund

Bayern Munich Predicted Lineup vs. Borussia Dortmund

The away side should gain from enjoying a clear week following their 3–2 triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt, though Kompany faces several significant injury worries for the Klassiker.

Alphonso Davies has experienced an interrupted 2025–26 season thus far, and the Canadian star suffered another injury setback recently. Nevertheless, the muscular problem he's encountered isn't considered severe and he's anticipated to return sometime in March.

Bayern's established goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was also expected to miss Saturday's crucial encounter due to a calf injury, but Kompany has now indicated that the 39-year-old might make a swift comeback to his starting position.

While Neuer is scheduled to return, the visitors lack two defensive alternatives in Davies and Hiroki Ito.

Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs. Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Stanišić; Kimmich, Pavlović; Olise, Musiala, Díaz; Kane.

What Time Does Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich Kick-Off?

What Time Does Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich Kick-Off?

How to Watch Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich on TV

How to Watch Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich on TV