How Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund could line up

10:58am on Friday 5th March 2021
By Stefan Bienkowski

Borussia Dortmund will be hoping to take a major step towards a top four finish as well as a sizable chunk out of Bayern Munich’s title ambitions when the two sides meet on Saturday evening at the Allianz Arena.

Both Bundesliga giants go into the game in impressive form and high in confidence but notable injury doubts in either team could end up costing their respective sides all three points over the course of the 90 minutes.

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With regards to the home team, Hansi Flick has some injury doubts in defence and midfield that could mean his side look a little thin in terms of depth going into this must-win match for the Bavarian giants.

For example, in defence Flick will likely be without right-back Benjamin Pavard and be forced to play central defender Niklas Sule on the flank and simply hope that he doesn’t get turned over by some of Dortmund’s quick wingers.

Similarly, in midfield Bayern are still without central midfielder Corentin Tolisso so Flick will have to hope Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich can get through the match unscathed because there won’t be too many alternative options on the bench.

Bayern’s front line will undoubtedly glisten with star power but Flick may regret not having the more tactically astute Serge Gnabry on either wing to keep tabs on Dortmund’s marauding full-backs rather than the more gung ho Leroy Sane.

Fortunately for Bayern, Dortmund have their own notable injury concerns that could scupper their hopes of taking points from this game.

The biggest issue in defence for Edin Terzic’s side will be the fitness of left-back and all-round Dortmund playmaker Raphael Guerreiro, who picked up a knock in the club’s recent victory in the German Cup. If he is unable to play then that severely blunts Dortmund’s attacking options.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, Dortmund may also be losing their main attacking threats up front in Jadon Sancho, who was also forced to come off with an injury in the midweek game. If the England international is also ruled out then the odds will be severely stacked against Bayern’s hosts on the day. Even if they do still have Erling Haaland leading the line.