Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund: Harry Kane faces Ballon d’Or test in first Klassiker

Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga title ambitions face their biggest test of the season on Saturday when they visit Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena for the first Klassiker of 2026-27.

Bayern are top of the table and Dortmund are second, with both clubs on 17 points after seven matches. A home victory could raise fears of another one-sided title race, while Dortmund cannot afford to surrender the chance to move ahead of their rivals.

Bayern manager Vincent Kompany was discharged from hospital this week after suffering a medical issue in training on 23 October. There is currently no indication that he will miss Saturday’s match, and news of his recovery has provided a boost before his second meeting with Dortmund this season.

Bayern beat the BVB 2-1 in the Super Cup on 22 August and are unbeaten in their past five meetings with Dortmund, winning each of the last three. However, the champions have drawn three of their past six matches and have not looked as dominant as usual.

Kompany’s side have still scored 22 goals across those five games, including six in Wednesday’s 6-1 German Cup victory over Magdeburg. That was Bayern’s sixth home match of the campaign and their fifth win at the Allianz Arena. Their only dropped points there came in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Champions League on 21 October.

A defeat by Bayern at the Allianz Arena is rarely viewed as a poor result, but Dortmund’s long wait for a Bundesliga title means another setback would be particularly damaging. The BVB have not won the championship since Jurgen Klopp led them to the 2011-12 title.

Niko Kovac’s team failed to capitalise when Bayern drew with Augsburg earlier this month. Dortmund also drew twice in October, missing the opportunity to establish a four-point lead over their rivals. They have, however, won their past three matches, scoring six goals and conceding three, including Tuesday’s 3-2 German Cup victory over Werder Bremen.

Dortmund’s Bundesliga away record is two wins and one draw from three matches, although they have won only once in their past three away games in all competitions.

Key players and predicted teams

For Harry Kane, no fixture could provide a better opportunity to return to the starting XI after winning the Ballon d’Or. He will be without Luis Diaz, who could remain sidelined until the end of November with a hamstring injury, but Michael Olise is expected to create chances for the England striker. Joshua Kimmich’s delivery from midfield may also prove important.

Dortmund will rely heavily on Serhou Guirassy, with Konstantinos Karetsas and Giannis Konstantelias absent. Jobe Bellingham has provided two assists in his past two games, but if selected, his key task will be protecting Joane Gadou, Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck.

Bayern predicted XI: Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Brown; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Karl, Gnabry; Kane.

Dortmund predicted XI: Kobel; Gadou, Anton, Schlotterbeck; Ryerson, Bellingham, Nmecha, Svensson; Sabitzer, Beier; Guirassy.

Bayern are favourites given their recent record against Dortmund, but the visitors should provide a stern challenge. Suggested outcomes are Bayern to win with both teams scoring at 1.92, Kane and Olise to be decisive at 1.73, and Guirassy to score at 2.70.

Bayern Bundesliga form: NVVNVV. All competitions: NNVNVV. Dortmund Bundesliga form: VVVNNV. All competitions: NDNVVV.