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Bayern Munich prepare to host Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Arena this weekend and the Bavarians will look to return to winning ways in what has been a tumultuous time for the club. The reigning Bundesliga champions parted company with manager Niko Kovac this week after a series of underwhelming results and their 5-1 demolition against Eintracht Frankfurt was seen as the final nail in the coffin.
As the first Der Klassiker of the season looms ever so close, both sides will look to register wins to get their title challenges back on track. A handful of players who are set to feature on Saturday have represented both clubs, most notably Robert Lewandowski and Mats Hummels and the former teammates are set to lock horns in what could be an early title-decider.
Hansi Flick will be on the touchline for the home side as they look to draft in a replacement for Kovac over the international break and the German tactician's first game as interim boss ended in a 2-0 victory against Olympiakos at the Allianz Arena.
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As the two sides prepare to lock horns in the first Der Klassiker of the season, let's look at the combined XI between the two frontrunners for the Bundesliga crown.
Goalkeeper
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich, GK) - The German international is the obvious choice between the sticks and has continued to remain one of the mainstays of the Bayern Munich side. Over the past 12 months, Neuer's form has come immense scrutiny as he's continued to be hampered by injuries but the former Schalke man is still one of the best in the business.
The World Cup winner's position for the national team has come under threat in recent years due to the emergence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen but Joachim Low eased fears that he'd be axed from the team in favour of the Barcelona man.
Neuer is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of the modern era and the fact that he's going strong at the age of 33 is the clearest example yet that form is temporary, and class is permanent.
Defenders
Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich, RB) - After being moved to the centre of the park this season, Joshua Kimmich has returned to his preferred right-back position in the wake of recent injuries to the likes of Lucas Hernandez and Niklas Sule. The 24-year-old will look to make his presence felt in the game and his crossing ability, in particular, could produce a match-winning moment or two for Bayern, especially with Robert Lewandowski in such terrific goalscoring form.
Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich, CB) - Benjamin Pavard has featured more regularly than he would have imagined since his move from Stuttgart this summer and the French international has established himself as a regular for Bayern after injuries to Lucas Hernandez and Niklas Sule. Pavard will have to be at his best if Bayern are to contain the likes of Jadon Sancho, Marco Reus and Paco Alcacer.
Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund, CB) - Mats Hummels returned to Dortmund after spending 3 seasons with Bayern and the former German international will look to marshall his side's defence against the reigning Bundesliga champions, a title he helped the Bavarians win last season. Since returning, Hummels has been an indispensable member of Lucian Favre's side and the veteran German will look to keep his former teammates at bay, as Dortmund aim to get their league campaign back on track.
David Alaba (Bayern Munich, LB) - The Austrian international, much like his club teammate Kimmich, plays in central midfielder for his country but for Bayern Munich, he's the undisputed choice for the left-back spot. Alaba has been a mainstay for the Bavarians for over 4 years now and his set-piece ability, in particular, sets him apart from other players in his position.
Midfielders
Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich, CM) - The Spanish maestro is one of the most aesthetically pleasing players around and his unique ability to break lines and wriggle his way through tight spaces has seen him establish himself as one of the finest midfielders in world football. Thiago is often one of the first names on the team sheet for Bayern and the La Masia graduate has come of age in the last 12 months or so for club and country.
Axel Witsel (Borussia Dortmund, CM) - Axel Witsel was a forgotten man since his move to China but the Belgian international was one of the signings of the season last time around after Dortmund decided to bring him back to Europe. The 30-year-old's box to box ability coupled with his defensive astuteness makes him one the most complete midfielders in the country and he's been one of Dortmund's most reliable performers since joining in 2018.
Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund, CM) - After being voted Bundesliga's Player of the Year last time around, Marco Reus has carried on from where he left off last season with 5 goals and 1 assist in 10 league games. The Dortmund captain is the standout player on the pitch more often than not when fit and his ability to score as well as create goals for his teammates makes him an invaluable asset for club and country.
Attackers
Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund, RW) - Jadon Sancho is one of the hottest properties in world football currently and the 19-year-old has burst onto the scene after joining Borussia Dortmund from Manchester City in 2018. Regarded as the Bundesliga assist king, Sancho has carried on from where he left off last season and Dortmund could have a massive battle on their hands to keep hold of their wonder-kid this summer.
Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich, ST) - Robert Lewandowski's goalscoring exploits are well-known but the Polish international's record of scoring in every league and Champions League so far this season is staggering even by his lofty standards. The former Dortmund man is the frontrunner for the European Golden Boot and his form will be crucial if Bayern are to retain their Bundesliga crown.
Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich, LW) - Serge Gnabry has taken over the reins from Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben and the German international has started the season in scintillating form. Gnabry's sensational 4-goal haul against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League is the best individual performance in Europe this season and the former Arsenal man looks to be coming of age this season.
