Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern: More than just three points at stake in Der Klassiker

Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern: More than just three points at stake in Der Klassiker - Dec 4

Topics: TV Schedules, TV Listings, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga

A mouth-watering showdown awaits as Dortmund take on Bayern, with hopes of banishing their hoodoo once and for all.

Preview: Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich

With just one point separating Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, the stage is perfectly set for the first Klassiker of the season. Although injuries have been a major issue for the hosts, Marco Rose's side have been given a huge boost with the return of Erling Haaland to action. After a seven game absence, the Norwegian striker came off the bench to score during Dortmund's 3-1 win over Wolfsburg, and is very likely to be installed back in the starting XI for this crunch clash.

That win helped Dortmund seize top spot in the table - albeit temporarily. Later on, Bayern earned a narrow 1-0 win against Arminia Bielefeld in a game that saw die Roten have to work a lot harder than expected. Surprisingly, Robert Lewandowski had a very quiet day at the office, but fortunately for Julian Naglesmann's side, Leroy Sane was ready to take charge and ensured that his team secured all three points to reclaim top spot.

Lewandowski, who was was controversially denied victory in this year's Ballon d'Or ceremony (with Lionel Messi managing to win a seventh title) will certainly be looking to get off the mark here as he returns to a very familiar ground: Signal Iduna Park. The 33-year-old Polish ace has netted 14 times so far this term, putting him in a great position to successfully defend his Torjägerkanone crown, albeit Haaland is now hoping to do his very best to play catch-up after a long-term injury lay-off.

Historically, Bayern have enjoyed quite a bit of success in Der Klassiker. They've not only won 51 times versus Dortmund's 26, but also have won their last five consecutive meetings with die Schwarzgelben. Indeed, it's been over three years since Dortmund defeated Bayern, recording a 3-2 win thanks to a brace from Marco Reus at this same ground.

Simply put, it's more than three points at stake here. And all eyes will be on this match to see if Dortmund will finally overcome a frustrating record that has hindered them over and over again for years - or if Bayern, once again, will come out on top and swing the title race firmly in their favor.

Team news: Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich

Dortmund: Mateu Morey (knee injury), Youssoufa Moukoko (muscular issues), Gio Reyna (match fitness), Marcel Schmelzer (knee injury), Luca Unbehaun (hand injury); Doubtful - Jude Bellingham (knee), Roman Bürki (illness), Thorgan Hazard (COVID-19)

Bayern: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (COVID-19), Josuha Kimmich (COVID-19), Marcel Sabitzer (calf injury), Bouna Sarr (groin injury); Doubtful - Michael Cuisance (knock), Tanguy Nianzou (shoulder injury), Sven Ulreich (back injury)

Match facts: Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich

Bayern have won all of their last five Klassiker meetings with Dortmund, and have lost just two of the last ten
Die Roten hold the vastly superior head to head advantage, with 51 wins versus 26 for die Schwarzgelben
However, Julian Naglesmann has historically struggled against Dortmund, with just two wins from his last 13 meetings with die Schwarzgelben (D4 L7)
The last time Dortmund beat Bayern in Der Klassiker was during the 2018/19 campaign, with current Dortmund skipper Marco Reus scoring a brace during a 3-2 win on November 10, 2018