Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Game

This weekend should see Bundesliga fans around the world settle down for what many consider the most important fixture in the German football calendar, der Klassiker. As the first showdown between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, Germany and the rest of the world will have one eye on this match to see which of these two goliaths draws first blood?

Although Pep Guardiola’s side look to be running away with their third consecutive league title amid some utter chaos in the Dortmund ranks, Jurgen Klopp’s team tend to show up when asked to stand toe-to-toe with their Bavarian rivals.

Alas, a win for either side could confirm the momentum that has been building behind one or in fact turn the German season on its head in favour of the other. Make no mistake about it: This game could make or break either side’s seasons.

Which Dortmund Will Show Up?

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On paper this game looks like a complete write off for any neutral football fan hoping for an engaging spectacle.

Bayern are four points clear of Gladbach in second, 14 points above Dortmund who sit in 15th, and they have yet to lose a game in the Bundesliga this season.

Yet that’s not all we’ve seen of Dortmund this year. In the Champions League and the DFB Pokal, Klopp’s side have looked like their old selves with blistering pace and results that once again show them as one of Europe’s top sides.

The question that then comes to the fore is just which side will show up against Bayern, the hopeless Bundesliga side or the fearless cup competitors, desperate to conquer all before them?

We’ll have to wait and see.

Guardiola Still Trails in Record Against Dortmund

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In a turn of events that will still have Dortmund fans grinning from ear to ear, Guardiola still struggles from time to time against Klopp’s side.

In the five games he’s played against the Black and Yellows since arriving in Germany, Guardiola has lost both Super Cup finals to Dortmund, as well as the last league encounter in April.

Bayern fans will point to arguably the only game that mattered—last season’s German Cup final which they won 2-0 after extra time—but the point still stands: Klopp has beaten the Catalan coach more times than he’s lost to him.

Marco Reus Will Have to Be at His Best

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Although Dortmund under Klopp could never be regarded as a side that shy away from big encounters with Bayern, it is important to note that they will need Marco Reus at his best if they have any hope of beating their Bavarian rivals on Saturday.

The attacking midfielder is quite simply one of the best players in Germany, if not the world, and he has a rather impressive record against the current Bundesliga champions.

According to Transfermarkt, Reus has scored three goals and made three assists in just nine games against Bayern since he first arrived at Dortmund. An impressive record that could prove decisive in such a clash.

Arjen Robben Must Play

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In perhaps a rather cunning act of play from Guardiola, Bayern have decided to keep arguably their best player, Arjen Robben, wrapped in cotton wool until Saturday’s game.

The official news was that the forward was still struggling with fitness, prior to the Hamburg game which he never featured in this week, and he could now play against Dortmund with a fresh face.

This could prove to be absolutely imperative for Bayern. As fans will know, the Dutchman has made all the difference whenever he’s played for the Bavarian side and will undoubtedly prove a huge boost for the club if he can feature against their fiercest Bundesliga rivals.