Bayern and Dortmund take identical records into a first-place Klassiker

Only goal difference separates the leaders

Both teams have five wins and two draws. Bayern’s goal difference is plus 19, compared with Dortmund’s plus eight, so the defending champions begin the weekend in first place.

Bayern have scored 18 goals in their home league matches. Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel has kept five clean sheets, giving the visitors a clear defensive base for the trip to Munich.

Danks leads Bayern in Kompany’s absence

Vincent Kompany is unavailable, so assistant coach Aaron Danks will lead Bayern. Manuel Neuer remains out with a foot problem, while Joshua Kimmich returned to team training and will be assessed before kick-off.

Jamal Musiala and Luis Díaz are also unavailable. Harry Kane remains the central figure in attack and enters the match after receiving the Ballon d’Or.

Dortmund also have important absences

Emre Can is out for Dortmund, while Konstantinos Karetsas has only returned to light training after a foot injury. His participation remains in doubt and will be decided close to kick-off.

The visitors can rely on Kobel’s form and the attacking partnership of Serhou Guirassy and Maximilian Beier. Their first task is to survive Bayern’s strong opening periods at the Allianz Arena.

The Klassiker begins at 18:30 CET

Bayern reached the DFB Cup round of 16 with a 6-1 win over Magdeburg. Dortmund also advanced after beating Werder Bremen 3-2 with a stoppage-time free-kick from Marcel Sabitzer.

The match will not settle the title race in October, but it will break the tie at the top if either side wins. Bayern bring the stronger goal difference and home scoring record; Dortmund bring the better run of clean sheets.