Borussia Dortmund predicted lineup vs Bayern Munich - Bundesliga
By Max Parsons
Borussia Dortmund travel to Bayern Munich for Der Klassiker on Saturday evening, hoping to deny Die Roten a fairy tale result.
A third win over BVB this season would mathematically secure the Bundesliga title for Julian Nagelsmann's side, although Marco Rose's men will be fired up to continue their good form and take home the bragging rights from this encounter.
Dortmund go into the weekend boasting five wins in their last eight league fixtures - including a 6-1 thumping of Wolfsburg last time out - but face a Bayern side that has won its last four. Here's how the visitors could set out.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Marwin Hitz (GK) - Gregor Kobel is just one of many absentees for the visitors, so we can expect Hitz to deputise.
Marin Pongracic (CB) - Emre Can will likely move into midfield to fill in for the flu-stricken Axel Witsel, potentially opening the door for Pongracic.
Dan-Axel Zagadou (CB) - The young defender has fared well in his side's previous two outings and should be set for a second consecutive Bundesliga start here.
Manuel Akanji (CB) - Will have to provide the experience without the likes of Mats Hummels and Can in the back line.
2. Midfielders
Marius Wolf (RM) - Injuries to Thomas Meunier and Mateu Morey should see Wolf start once more, having registered three goals and two assists in his last eight league appearances.
Emre Can (CM) - As mentioned, the German should be brought upfield to accommodate for the absences of Witsel and Mo Dahoud.
Jude Bellingham (CM) - Still, Rose has the prodigal Bellingham to count on - up against Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka, this game should provide us with a fantastic midfield battle.
Raphael Guerreiro (LM) - The one piece of positive team news heading into this match for BVB is the possible return of Guerreiro, who could be immediately restored to the side.
3. Forwards
Marco Reus (RF) - The legendary figure is set for his 33rd appearance against Bayern Munich this weekend, having scored 12 times against them throughout his career.
Erling Haaland (ST) - A brace last time out took BVB's other prodigal talent to 18 Bundesliga strikes in 20 games for the season.
Julian Brandt (LF) - With another spate of injury-enforced absences in attack, Rose will likely give Brandt a third consecutive start after the 25-year-old's tally of two goals and two assists in his previous two.