Der Klassiker team news and prediction: Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund

This weekend's Klassiker may not have the same pull as previous editions given the 13-point gap between the two teams, but Bayern Munich's seasonal meeting with Borussia Dortmund will always attract football fans across the world. 

Ahead of the upcoming clash between the two Bundesliga giants, we provide all the key info, including when kick off is, where to watch the game, team news and probable XIs. 

When is kick off? 

Saturday 6th March, 17:30 GMT 

Where is the match? 

Allianz Arena, Munich 

Where can I watch it? 

BT Sport 2 / BT Sport Ultimate 

Form Guide 

After a slight wobble following their Club World Cup sucess - Bayern followed up a 3-3 draw with Arminia Bielefeld with a 2-1 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt upon their return from Qatar - Hansi Flick's side got their season back on track with a 4-1 mauling of Lazio in Italy and a 5-1 demolition job of FC Koln in the Champions League and Bundesliga, respectivel. Bayern have still dropped points just three times at the Allianz Arena this season, and will aim to at the very least restore the two-point gap between themselves and second-placed RB Leipzig, who travel to Freiburg earlier in the day. 

Borussia Dortmund's fortunes didn't immediately improve following the sacking of Lucien Favre, but a four-game winning run, including a 1-0 win at Gladbach in midweek, will have boosted morale. Three away wins on the bounce has certainly helped Borussia Dortmund, who looked to be going through the motions until Marco Rose's appointment at the end of the season. 

Team News 

Thomas Muller returned to action last week following a bout of COVID-19 and he should start in the number 10 role behind Robert Lewandowski. Serge Gnabry is fit again after a muscle injury, but Benjamin Pavard is still feeling the effects of Coronavirus and misses out. Douglas Costa, Tanguy Nianzou and Corentin Tolisso all miss Der Klassiker. 

In the Borussia Dortmund camp, key pair Jadon Sancho and Raphael Guerreiro both sustained knocks in the DFB-Pokal clash with Gladbach and miss out, while Giovanni Reyna joins the duo on the sidelines. As such, Julian Brandt and Thorgan Hazard may now start on the right and left flank, respectively. Axel Witsel, Marcel Schmelzer and Manuel Akanji all miss out. 

Probable XIs 

Bayern Munich (4231) - Neuer; Sule, Boateng, Alaba, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Coman, Muller, Sane; Lewandowski

Borussia Dortmund (4231) - Hitz; Meunier, Can, Hummels, Schulz; Dahoud, Delaney; Brandt, Reus, Hazard; Haaland

Key Battle: Robert Lewandowski vs Erling Haaland

The Bundesliga's goalscoring machines lock horns once more this weekend. Robert Lewandowski has made it his mission to land the European Golden Boot, and become the first player since Gerd Muller to score at least 40 goals in a league campaign back in 1971/72. The Pole has 28 goals to his name with 11 games to play and he'll be aiming to add to his fine record in Der Klassiker. Lewandowski scored in the reverse fixture, which bodes well for the frontman this weekend.

Like Lewandowski, Erling Haaland scored in the reverse fixture, bagging a late consolsation for Borussia Dortmund in a 3-2 home defeat. The Norwegian has scored 17 goals from 18 appearances for the Bundesliga side this season and has had a direct hand in a goal in all but two of his last nine Dortmund outings, so comes into Der Klassiker in superb form.

Score Prediction: Bayern Munich 2-2 Borussia Dortmund