Bayern and Dortmund Are Vying for the Top Spot in the German Classic

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund arrive tied on points for the German classic and will compete for the Bundesliga lead

A classic level on points

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund arrive level on points for the latest edition of the German classic, where they will battle for the Bundesliga lead.

Bayern are currently top thanks to a clear 19-goal advantage, 19 scored to Dortmund's 8. It is also a duel between the best attack, Bayern's 25 goals in 7 games, and the best defense, Dortmund's 4 goals conceded in the same number of matches.

Bayern's absences and off-field issues

Bayern head into the match amid a series of off-field events, including the illness of coach Vincent Kompany, who will once again be replaced by Aaron Danks.

Another has been the sudden death of Joshua Kimmich's father, with the player absent from training for several days and missing the Champions League match against Arsenal, the Bundesliga game against Freiburg and the German Cup tie against Magdeburg.

Kimmich has returned to training and may feature tomorrow, although sporting director Max Eberl warned that it all depends on whether the player feels psychologically ready.

In addition, Bayern will have to compensate, as in the last two matches, for the absences of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who has a foot problem, and Luis Díaz and Jamal Musiala due to muscle injuries.

Luis Díaz is most likely to be replaced by Alphonso Davies, who played well against Arsenal and Magdeburg, while Ismael Saibari could come in for Musiala.

Jonas Urbig is almost certain to start in goal, having been on an intensive course to succeed Neuer since last season, even though he faces competition from other clubs.