The biggest rivalry in German football will be reignited when Dortmund and Bayern make a bow at the Signal Iduna Park on Saturday. For the host, the upcoming test will present them with another opportunity to continue their impressive campaign so far this season. Sitting atop the Bundesliga table, Lucien Favre's side has won 7 out of their first 10 top-flight Bundesliga fixtures. Heading into Der Klassiker, the men in black and yellow remain the only unbeaten side in Germany.
On the other hand, Bayern Munich will aim to get its seven successive league title chase back on track following an atypical start. Under the management of Niko Kovac - who succeeded the veteran Jupp Heynckes at the start of the season - the Bavarians have struggled to find their feet.
Injuries and inconsistent form have been the order of the day for the Allianz Arena outfit who momentarily sits in the position with 20 points. On Sunday, Bayern Munich will get the opportunity to reduce the points difference to just one. We take a look at how both clubs could line up for their biggest tests yet in the domestic league this season.
Borussia Dortmund (4-4-2)
Not much is expected in Der BVB's lineup that has excelled in the past 10 matches. Goalkeeper Roman Burki is expected to assume his position in the post while shielded by the strong center-back partnership forged by Dan-Axel Zagadou and Manuel Akanji. Real Madrid loanee Achraf Hakimi should maintain his position at right-back for his flying start to the season and Raphaël Guerreiro is expected to hold his position at left-back.
In the heart of the midfield, the in-form Axel Witsel is expected to marshal affairs and should be complemented by Thomas Delaney. Jadon Sancho, who has been a revelation for Dortmund this season, is expected to complete the midfield quartet with American prodigy Christian Pulisic.
Paco Alcacer and Marco Reus should lead in attack for the host. The former, despite starring just twice in the starting XI for Lucien Favre's side, has scored seven goals in the Bundesliga this season. Marco Reus has also excelled greatly as he has so far managed six goals and three assists.
Bayern Munich (4-1-4-1)
With the Bavarians possessing a growing injury list, Niko Kovac is faced with a big task of getting a formidable team in place to take on an in-form Borussia Dortmund side. Still, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is expected to maintain his spot in post despite posing to be vulnerable in recent times. The former Schalke 04 shot-stopper will hope a defensive line consisting of Alaba, Hummels, Sule, and Kimmich will properly handle the threat of Dortmund's flying attackers.
For the midfielder personnel, Bayern's options are very limited as Corentin Tolisso, Arjen Robben and Thiago Alcantara all out with respective injuries. Leon Goretzka, James Rodriguez, Serge Gnabry and Franck Ribery could form the midfield for the Bavarians with the latter two deployed on the left and right wings respectively.
Robert Lewandowski should comfortable lead in the attack when he travels to his former stomping grounds.
