Borussia Dortmund against FC Bayern Munich – in Germany, we call it “Der Klassiker”! The 10th matchday promises explosiveness at the top of the table as Borussia Dortmund host FC Bayern. Both teams started the new season strongly and now want to take the next important step in the title race. The meeting between the two Bundesliga giants on Saturday (6:30 p.m.) is the 109th duel between BVB and FCB.
This tactical analysis explores the lineups, key players, and strategies that could come into play. Buckle up for an enthralling ride through the tactics, where every decision, pass, and press could sway the balance of power in the Bundesliga. This is more than just a match analysis; it’s a preview of the battle of the Bundesliga giants.
Potential Lineups
In the much-anticipated clash between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern, two of Germany’s football giants, the tactical setups from their respective coaches promise a spectacle of footballing excellence.
For Edin Terzic‘s Borussia Dortmund, several critical decisions are expected. The return of Gregor Kobel to the goalkeeping position brings added confidence to the backline. With the likes of Emre Can and Marcel Sabitzer forming the double pivot, Dortmund’s midfield will be bolstered both defensively and creatively. Donyell Malen, Marco Reus, and Julian Brandt are expected to play a pivotal role in the attacking midfield positions. Meanwhile, Niclas Füllkrug is set to lead the line, providing a focal point in the attack.
There are, however, some uncertainties. Felix Nmecha and Salih Özcan might contend for starting spots, while the defensive line could witness a reshuffle. Julian Ryerson and Marius Wolf might be tasked with providing defensive stability as full-backs.
One interesting tactical consideration is the potential for Niklas Süle to be used as a full-back, a move that could provide Terzic with the flexibility to switch between a four-man and a five-man defensive line during the game. This adaptability may prove crucial in handling Bayern’s attacking prowess.
Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1): Gregor Kobel – Julian Ryerson, Mats Hummels, Nico Schlotterbeck, Marius Wolf – Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer – Donyell Malen, Marco Reus, Julian Brandt – Füllkrug
For Thomas Tuchel’s FC Bayern, key returns and possible shifts in the starting lineup promise an exciting contest. Dayot Upamecano and Serge Gnabry are set to make comebacks, while Joshua Kimmich will miss the game due to a red card.
In the absence of Kimmich, Tuchel could opt to position Konrad Laimer alongside Goretzka in the double pivot. In the attacking midfield positions, the trio of Leroy Sané, Thomas Müller, and Kingsley Coman is expected to provide creative impetus. Harry Kane, Bayern’s marquee signing, is the likely candidate to lead the line, adding a new dimension to Bayern’s attacking play.
However, there are uncertainties surrounding Jamal Musiala’s availability due to a cold, which could pave the way for Thomas Müller’s inclusion in the starting lineup. The defensive line is reinforced with the likes of Noussair Mazraoui, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-Jae, and Alphonso Davies.
FC Bayern (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer – Noussair Mazraoui, Dayot Upmaceano, Kim Min-Jae, Alphonso Davies – Leon Goretzka, Konrad Laimer – Leroy Sané, Thomas Müller, Kingsley Coman – Harry Kane
Both teams have undergone changes, with players returning from injuries. The clash between these two Bundesliga heavyweights promises a fascinating encounter with tactical battles that could shape the outcome of the game.
Current Form
Borussia Dortmund’s current form presents a mixed bag of achievements and concerns as they head into the clash with perennial rivals Bayern Munich. The weight of history and the Bundesliga’s recent results against Bayern shows BVB conceding a staggering 43 goals in their last twelve duels. It’s a concerning statistic, especially given that Borussia Dortmund has not secured a victory against Bayern since November 2018. However, there’s a glimmer of hope that things could unfold differently this season.
Crucially, Borussia Dortmund has displayed an ability to win closely contested matches, even when their performance might not be at its peak. This adaptability is vital for any team nurturing title ambitions. It showcases their newfound resilience, a quality they might need to turn the tide against their nemesis.
One notable bright spot is BVB’s formidable home record, currently boasting an impressive unbeaten streak of 20 matches. Leading the fictitious 2023 annual table with a seven-point advantage over Bayern, they have firmly established their dominance on home turf. This could offer a psychological edge as they brace themselves for the clash with the reigning champions.
In the Champions League, Borussia Dortmund remains well in contention. With four points after three matchdays, they occupy the second spot in the challenging Group F. While they trail Paris Saint-Germain, they have a two-point cushion over Newcastle and a four-point lead over AC Milan. The competition is wide open, and BVB has a fighting chance to progress.
Delving into the Bundesliga statistics, Borussia Dortmund’s defensive record reveals an average of 1.2 goals conceded per game, ranking them fifth in the league. In contrast, their attacking prowess has seen them score an impressive 2.2 goals per game, again placing them fifth in the Bundesliga. Their overall goal differential stands at +9, a respectable fifth in the league, showcasing a well-balanced team that’s both strong in defence and lethal in attack.
In terms of shot statistics, Borussia Dortmund has faced 45 opponent shots over 9 matches, which ranks them 11th in the league. They exhibit their attacking intent, ranking third in the Bundesliga for the number of shots attempted, tallying 119 in 9 games.
FC Bayern finds themselves in a paradoxical situation as they navigate their season – one marked by achievements yet plagued by inconsistency. This complex narrative plays out on both domestic and continental fronts, painting a picture of a team still seeking their true form.
In the UEFA Champions League, Bayern Munich has asserted their dominance in Group A. They lead the pack with an impressive nine points from three games, outshining Galatasaray, Manchester United, and Copenhagen. Their journey through Europe’s elite competition seems promising and laden with potential.
In the Bundesliga, the Bavarians are keeping pace with the leaders, Bayer Leverkusen, with a slight gap of just two points. It’s a position that sets them well within striking distance of the league’s summit. Yet, beneath this facade of relative success lies a somewhat disconcerting reality.
Bayern Munich has faced several shaky performances and games that teetered on the brink of uncertainty. The air of invincibility and dominance that characterized their past seasons has been intermittently elusive. There’s a sense that they’re wrestling with their own identity, trying to find the panache that once defined their style.
The clash against Borussia Dortmund could serve as a pivotal moment for Bayern. It’s an opportunity to reaffirm their authority and reestablish their self-belief. A convincing victory over their arch-rivals could work wonders in revitalizing their confidence and rekindling the Bayern Munich of old.
In terms of statistics, Bayern Munich boasts remarkable numbers. They’re prolific in attack, scoring an average of 3.8 goals per match, leading the Bundesliga in this regard. Their defence is equally impressive, allowing a mere 0.8 goals per match, once again topping the charts. The team’s goal differential stands at an imposing +27, indicative of their comprehensive dominance in league play.
Their offensive intent is evident in the number of shots taken, a league-leading 166 shots across 9 games. This underlines their relentless attacking approach. On the defensive side, Bayern Munich is equally relentless, allowing just 17 shots in 9 games, a testament to their disciplined backline.
Dortmund to press high
Borussia Dortmund’s strengths in high pressing provide them with a tactical advantage and could be a solution to securing points against formidable opponents like FC Bayern. This aspect of their game highlights their commitment and determination during the defensive transition, an attribute that plays a crucial role in their overall performance.
Dortmund’s high pressing is characterized by their remarkable challenge intensity of 6.8 in the Bundesliga. This statistic illustrates their relentless pursuit of the ball and their unwavering commitment to disrupting their opponents’ build-up play.
Furthermore, Dortmund’s low PPDA (Passes Allowed Per Defensive Action) of 8.65 signifies their effectiveness in limiting their opponents’ time and space to execute their plays. This approach can be particularly potent against teams that prefer a more patient build-up style, as it disrupts their rhythm and forces them into hurried decisions.
Players like Füllkrug, Reus, and Brandt actively contribute to Dortmund’s high-intensity pressing, ensuring that the team maintains its commitment throughout matches. When executed effectively, this pressing game contributes to a more robust overall performance.
It’s worth noting, however, that Dortmund must maintain this high level of intensity consistently. When their defensive transition isn’t as effective as desired, they can become vulnerable, and their overall performance may suffer. Thus, the key to success for Dortmund against Bayern lies in maintaining their high challenge intensity and effective pressing throughout the match.
FC Bayern are not typically pressed with such intensity and high up the field. In the Bundesliga and the Champions League, their PPDA against values are considerably high (16.91 and 14.66, respectively). This implies that Bayern is accustomed to maintaining possession and building from the back without facing aggressive, high-pressing approaches regularly.
In a recent Champions League encounter against Galatasaray, Bayern’s organized low build-up in a structured 4-2-formation was put to the test by their opponent’s relentless pressing. Galatasaray’s high-pressing strategy disrupted Bayern’s usual rhythm, making it a challenging task for the German side. Bayern struggled to exploit the space located behind their pivot players during deep build-up scenarios.
This tactical observation highlights the potential vulnerabilities Bayern might face when confronted with intense pressing tactics, such as those employed by Borussia Dortmund.
Bayern’s efficiency
FC Bayern Munich has strategically leveraged their efficiency and clinical attacking prowess as a solution to secure victories against formidable opponents, such as Borussia Dortmund. Despite facing high pressing and man-marking tactics, Bayern has shown an uncanny ability to capitalize on critical moments, particularly in the latter stages of matches.
This approach to thriving late in games isn’t a one-off strategy but a consistent trend seen throughout their season. In their recent UEFA Champions League match against Copenhagen, for instance, both of their goals came after the 65th minute. It’s evident that Bayern has prioritized efficiency and productivity over maintaining continuous ball possession. They allow their opponents their fair share of the ball, focusing instead on exploiting counter-attacking opportunities in the final half-hour of a game.
What sets Bayern apart is that their remarkable efficiency in attack isn’t mere luck; it’s a testament to their clinical edge and their ability to make the most of opportunities. They consistently outperform their expected goal values, scoring 3 goals per 90 minutes when expected goals (xGoals) suggest they should score 2.43. This efficiency is a testament to their ability to convert key chances, even under high-pressure tactics.
On the other hand, Borussia Dortmund has grappled with systemic issues in their defensive phases throughout the season. The problems extend beyond individual mistakes and appear to be deeply rooted in the team’s overall defensive structure. Notably, there have been concerns about the defensive efforts and engagement of key players, which have hampered the team’s ability to defend effectively.
These issues are not isolated incidents but recurring problems within Dortmund’s defensive approach. It becomes apparent when key players fail to demonstrate the necessary determination to regain possession, leading to vulnerabilities in the late phases of matches. This lack of power and determination against the ball could result in Dortmund conceding late goals, which might pose a significant challenge when facing an efficient team like Bayern Munich.
This, in conjunction with Borussia Dortmund’s struggles in confidence and proficiency, when it comes to building their game from the back, creates ample goal-scoring opportunities for FC Bayern, particularly in the latter stages of a match.
Despite often maintaining the lion’s share of possession, averaging around 61.4% per game, Borussia Dortmund has faced considerable challenges in their build-up play this season. While their possession statistics are commendable, ranking second only to FC Bayern’s 63.3%, the quality of their possession leaves much to be desired. Their play often lacks incisiveness, with a tendency to shuttle the ball back and forth between flanks without genuinely threatening their opponents.
Essentially, it seems as though Dortmund has, at times, abandoned their possession-oriented build-up strategy. Their approach lacks the vigour and determination required during this phase, leading to concerns about their dedication and resolve in breaking down the opposition. The lack of dynamism in their possession has been a significant concern for the club this season.
In fact, Dortmund stands out for playing the highest number of long passes among the top teams in the Bundesliga. On average, they execute a remarkable 41.68 long passes per 90 minutes – too much for a possession-based side, surpassing teams like Stuttgart (40.27), Leipzig (36.52), FC Bayern (30), and Leverkusen (25.99) by a considerable margin.
Key Players
As Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich gear up for their much-anticipated clash, it’s the key players from both sides who will undoubtedly take centre stage, providing the sparks that could ignite this fierce encounter.
For Bayern Munich, the talismanic presence of Harry Kane looms large. The English striker has been in scintillating form, with 9 goals to his name, firmly securing the second spot on the league’s top scorers list. Kane’s proficiency in front of goal is only further accentuated by his playmaking abilities, contributing 4 assists. His partnership with Leroy Sané forms a dynamic duo that has caused headaches for opposing defences. Sané himself has found the back of the net 6 times and added another dimension with his solitary assist.
Complementing this attacking firepower, Mathys Tel has also been pivotal, chipping in with 3 goals and 1 assist, cementing his place as a crucial substitutional player for Bayern. Kingsley Coman, with 3 goals and 1 assist, provides yet another threat, ensuring that Bayern’s arsenal of attacking talent is both varied and potent.
In the black and yellow corner, Borussia Dortmund brings its own array of match-winners. Julian Brandt has been a revelation, finding the net on 4 occasions and facilitating play with 4 crucial assists.
Marco Reus, a perennial figure of leadership and inspiration, has notched 3 goals and contributed 1 assist, bolstering the Dortmund attack. Niclas Füllkrug, with 2 goals and 2 assists, offers a versatile and robust presence. Donyell Malen, while ranking 17th in the league’s goal-scoring charts with 3 goals, has yet to register an assist, but his potency in front of goal can’t be underestimated.
Conclusion
The stage is set for remarkable talents to collide, each player carrying the hopes and aspirations of their respective teams.
As Borussia Dortmund prepares to face Bayern Munich, they are in an excellent position to challenge the defending champions. While history may be against them, their current form and statistics suggest they have the firepower and resilience to aim for victory. This season’s encounter could mark a turning point in their rivalry and potentially shape the course of their title ambitions.
As they stand at the precipice of a showdown with Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich’s fortunes hang in the balance. It’s an encounter that could very well define their season, rekindling the flame of their glorious past or further unravelling the questions that currently linger over the team. The outcome of this match will play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of their campaign.
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