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

This game last season effectively ended Borussia Dortmund's title charge as Joshua Kimmich's goal on the stroke of half time saw Bayern Munich come away from the Westfalenstadion with a 1-0 win. 

Both teams have made the same start to the season and sit level on points at the top of the Bundesliga after six matches. 

In the build up to Saturday's Klassiker, we have all your need-to-know matchday information in one place. Looking for team news, probable XIs or simply when and where to catch the game? We have you covered. 

When is kick off? 

Saturday 7th November, 17:30 GMT 

Where is the Match? 

Westfalenstadion, Dortmund 

Where can I watch it? 

BT Sport 1 / BT Sport Ultimate 

The Season So Far 

Borussia Dortmund have made a nigh-on perfect start to the Bundesliga season, winning five of six league matches so far. The blip on the record came in a 2-0 loss at Augsburg in gameweek two of 2020/21, but on the whole, Dortmund have been impressive. They have conceded fewer goals (2) than any other side, keeping five clean sheets from their six matches. 

Similarly, Bayern Munich have 15 points to their name and lead the Bundesliga due to their superior goal difference compared to Dortmund. Bayern's only loss was a 4-1 defeat at Hoffenheim on the same weekend their German rivals lost at Augsburg, but scoring an average of four goals per game, they'll be confident of breaking Dortmund's defensive resolve. 

Team News 

Emre Can tested positive for COVID-19 two weeks ago, but will face a late fitness test to determine his availability for Der Klassiker. Mats Hummels, who netted twice against Arminia Bielefeld last weekend, will also be assessed as he hopes to face his former side. Marcel Schmelzer and Dan-Axel Zagadou are Lucien Favre's only confirmed absentees, while Jude Bellingham may drop to the bench for the welcome of Bayern Munich. 

The reigning German and European champions are without key centre-back Niklas Sule. The defender tested negative for COVID-19, but must still quarantine so misses out here. Usual starting left-back Alphonso Davies has an ankle injury, though Lucas Hernandez is an able deputy, while summer arrival Tanguy Nianzou is also sidelined. Hansi Flick will hope to have Leon Goretzka available for selection here, while compatriot Leroy Sane is pushing for a start out wide and Corentin Tolisso has served his ban. 

Probable XIs 

Borussia Dortmund (4231) - Burki; Meunier, Akanji, Hummels, Guerreiro; Dahoud, Axel Witsel; Reus, Sancho, Reyna; Haaland

Bayern Munich (4231) - Neuer; Pavard, Boateng, Alaba, Hernandez; Kimmich, Goretzka; Gnabry, Muller, Coman; Lewandowski

Key Battle - Erling Haaland vs Robert Lewandowski

The hotly anticipated clash between the two goalscoring machines, Erling Haaland hasn't perhaps put in the performances many expected in his first full season in Germany, but the Norwegian still has five league goals to his name. The 20-year-old has hit the back of the net in three of his four Bundesliga starts this season, and has two assists to his name, matching his total from 2019/20, which suggests Haaland is bringing more to his game than just goals.

Leading the goalscoring charts in the Bundesliga, and scoring double the number Haaland has managed so far, Robert Lewandowski has been in excellent form for Bayern this season, rattling in 10 goals in five appearances, including hat-tricks in two of his last three Bundesliga outings. Lewandowski landed the WhoScored European player of the month award in October, earning a 9.70 rating, as he comes into Der Klassiker in rampant form.

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 1-3 Bayern Munich