German Clasico 2014: Final Predictions and Live Stream Info

Saturday will see the return of Der Klassiker, the clash between Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, a match that in the past few years has taken on such gravity it has turned into a German version of El Clasico, La Liga's marquee fixture between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

These two teams usually meet with the Bundesliga title on the line, but Saturday's match will have a very different connotation. While the Bavarians are once again on course for silverware, Die Schwarzgelben have suffered a nightmare start to their campaign.

Sitting dangerously close to the relegation zone, Jurgen Klopp and his squad need some kind of spark to jump-start their season. A win at the Allianz Arena could be the perfect remedy, adding a layer to Der Klassiker we're not accustomed to seeing.

Date: Saturday, November 1

Time: 5:30 p.m. GMT/1:30 p.m. ET

Venue: Allianz Arena

TV info and live stream: The match will be broadcast on BT Sport 1 (for UK viewers) and Gol TV USA (for US viewers), with mobile coverage available via BT Sport's online player app and KlowdTV.

Preview and Final Predictions

Sascha Schuermann/Associated Press

Assuming Dortmund's struggles mean Saturday's clash will be a walk in the park for the hosts would be dangerous. Form goes out the window when rivals meet—often, it's the club that wants it most which emerges victorious.

Philipp Lahm warned his teammates against complacency, telling reporters he still sees Dortmund as a threat, as reported by Agence France-Presse (for NDTV):

"

It's a meeting between two sides that have spent the last few years contesting the title. Dortmund have shown their true selves in the Champions League with nine points from three games.

They're a real threat to us.

"

Manager Pep Guardiola said the same thing, emphasising Die Schwarzgelben are still the club's main rivals, via Goal's Mark Doyle:

"

At this moment, Dortmund are still the biggest rival. The points difference means nothing in October.

I don't analyse the table. In my opinion this is a great team, no matter in what kind of situation they are right now. We'll play against the best BVB.

This is a special match because the opponent is very, very, very good. Also, our way of playing is excellent for them as we defend 40 metres in front of [goalkeeper] Manuel Neuer.

But I won't change my tactics. I have always played my teams very far forward – ever since my first day at Barcelona B.

"

Guardiola's high praise for Klopp's side is a breath of fresh air, as relations between the two teams have soured due to Bayern's transfer strategy of acquiring Borussia's top players over the past few years.

Robert Lewandowski will surely suit up against his former teammates once again, and Mario Gotze is also expected to feature.

The presence of those two will only add fuel to what is already a fiery rivalry, with plenty of controversial moments over the past few decades. DW Sports' Ross Dunbar reminded us of this incident with Oliver Kahn:

"

Classic pic. http://t.co/gsyaBfHlNQ #FCBBVB pic.twitter.com/Tm59EgSOaU

— Ross Dunbar (@rossdunbar93) October 31, 2014"

As shared by Bundesliga Fanatic's Cristian Nyari, Dortmund's struggles won't result in a smaller TV audience on Saturday:

Bayern's form has been impeccable so far this season. Defensively, Guardiola's squad looks solid, but it's in the attacking third they have impressed fans the most.

Saturday's result will hinge on Dortmund, not the Bavarians. If Jurgen Klopp's men can continue pressing and somehow find a way to start finishing chances, the duo of Mats Hummels and Neven Subotic gives the visitors a way to hold up defensively.

That's a big if, but as Miguel Delaney wrote for Eurosport, if there's one thing football is not, it's predictable:

"

This weekend, as Borussia Dortmund prepare for the most daunting fixture in football right now, on the back of the worst form imaginable, there is one thing they should keep in mind.

It is actually precisely the issue that has afflicted them. They just need to approach it from the opposite perspective.

Sometimes, a sport like football simply defies logic and expectation.

"

Is it in any way possible that playing opposite a team they're supposed to lose against liberates Klopp's squad, and the goals start falling?

Yes, but it's not likely. Guardiola's Bayern Munich is a well-oiled machine, one that easily wins the battle in midfield and gives up few chances. The added dimension of Xabi Alonso's abilities as a playmaker is something Dortmund haven't faced yet: If their high press fails to get him out of rhythm, the defence will once again be exposed.

Alonso has been phenomenal so far this year—expect that to continue on Saturday.

Final Score: Bayern Munich 2-1 Borussia Dortmund

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