The race for the Bundesliga title is on. Borussia Dortmund have been a team in form as of late snatching 3 points at the death from a determined Wolfsburg team. The significance of the win was further increased when Bayern were held to a shock draw away at mid table side SC Freiburg. This season has not come without shocks and with Dortmund now in control with a 2 point lead above Bayern, Der Klassiker , this weekend could be a title decider. The reverse fixture saw Dortmund come from behind twice to win the game 3-2 thanks to a well finished counter attack from Paco Alcacer who has been a revelation for Dortmund this season. Having scored 16 goals in the Bundesliga many of which have come in the dying minutes as well as off the bench. Many would expect Bayern Munich to be clear favourites at home, however, as well as a draw on Matchday 27, Bayern were hardly convincing in their DFB cup game against 2.Bundesliga side Heidenheim, which finished 5-4 in favour of Bayern.
The game will be won or lost in defence. Both sides this season have had ups and downs with each respective backline. It was a staple of Dortmund’s game during the group stages of the Champions League which saw them only concede twice in a group where they thrashed Atletico Madrid 4-0. In recent months Dortmund’s backline has been shaky, the absence of Lukasz Piszczek at right back has been a severe loss for Dortmund. This is further amplified as both Hakimi and Diallo are also out injured. Dortmund’s defence now has limited options. Bayern will look to exploit this and attack the fullback positions hard. Bayern on the other hand have no real injury woes rather that both Boateng and Hummels are hardly at their peak. Shambolic at times the 2 have been exposed by sheer pace time and time again, with Jadon Sancho bursting with confidence and an in form Marco Reus fully fit and rested after the birth of his first daughter the week prior, Hummels and Boateng will have their hands full this weekend. Paco Alcacer is also likely to start, he could yet again prove to be the difference.
Prediction : Bayern 1 - 2 Dortmund
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