18 Yard Box takes a look at the mouth-watering clash between the two German titans.
When these two sides meet the temperatures will surely soar high as Dortmund would like to reduce the breathing space that the Bavarians have made for themselves over the last 14 League games.
18 Yard Box previews this epic clash and has a shot at the outcome of this match.
Bayern Munich
When you hear about this club, history and cups is all that comes to your mind. A club which has always been amongst the trophies has been deluded of it since the past two seasons. Last year's heart breaking Champions' League loss to Chelsea has deemed the 4 times European Champions as the new chokers of the game. However, they have started this season with a mission to prove their doubters wrong. Making some stellar signings Munich look ready to welcome their fiercest rivals tonight at their own den.
Strengths
Attack is the area where the Bayern thrive on. With strikers like Mario Mandzukic and Mario Gomez (who has returned from injury) at their disposal, the two Marios can make any defender's day bad. The two are in sublime form and Dortmund's defence in the likes of Hummels and Subotic will have to stay on their toes to block the two strikers. The buys in the midfield have also been compelling. The likes of Shaqiri and Martinez have provided great support to the midfield and have also helped out Schweinsteiger, Robben, Ribbery, Muller etc to name a few.
Another strong point is their goalkeeper. Manuel Neuer is playing in the form of his life. Having conceded only 5 goals in 14 matches, the keeper has become an integral part of this team. His short stopping skills coupled with his decisiveness inside the box has been the key to Bayern's success.
Weakness
It is difficult to find a certain weakness in this Bayern side but the likes of Robben and Ribery have not yet put their pedal on the gas yet. It is key that Ribery performs since Robben is injured if they have to overcome Dortmund. He will also have to work on his defensive duties as the likes of Mario Goetze and Marco Reus my trouble Lahm and Alaba at the back. Moreover Dortmund play with their full back bombarding forward and hence he will have to keep track of this too.
Borussia Dortmund
As far as Borussia Dortmund is concerned, they should approach the tie with confidence having beaten Munich every time these two giants have met in the League since February 2010. But such is the nature of a football game, that history and stats count for little. The way Bayern are going about this season, it seems as even Dortmund, despite their dominance in the past two years, are running scared of the Munich giants.With a gap of 11 points to cover, Dortmund have to show that they can live up to the high standards set by themselves.
Strength
Attack is one area where Borussia Dortmund are strongest. With the trio of Lewandowski, Reus and Goetze causing havoc in opposition defenses, Bayern's defense will surely be tested to the core. Reus being a new addition this season, he has been a breath of fresh air in the Dortmund attack. With Sven Bender to support their play in the centre of the park, this attack looks one of the most threatening on the planet currently.
When not on the ball, the same attacking players press hard on the opposition running each and every pass down. This is a major advantage they have in comparison to the Munich giants as players like Ribery, Gomez are completely stagnated when Bayern do lose the ball.
Weakness
Although weaknesses are hard to find in the well gelled Dormund side, they do lack the depth in their squad. The reason they can still go in this game with confidence is that they have managed to string together a run of victories.
Gotze, Hummels will return thereby fielding their best eleven which looks like team to beat on paper nevertheless the field. Their defense looks strong with Hummels and Subotic in the heart although any injury or suspension to them could make it their weakness soon.
Importance of a win
Dortmund need the win more than their counterparts. With 11 points adrift, this could be the make or break match for them. Going in this with confidence after being top of the group of death in the Champions League, Dortmund would be looking to play some good football. On the other hand if Bayern win it then it will open a 14 point gap between the two giants which might just put Dortmund's title charge in tatters.
The Final Verdict
Munich seem to have the edge over Dortmund as they play at their home ground. However, Dortmund have looked comfortable everytime they have visited them. We can expect a hungry Dortmund to control possession with Munich thriving on counter attacks. But we can fancy the away side to embarrass the Bavarians yet again by a 2-1 margin
Written By,
Aman Arora and Rishabh Ghai
Aman is a contributor for Sportskeeda, Goal.com India and also a Writer and Editor for 18 Yard Box.
Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International (all English editions) and an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box .
After living in the shadows of their new born rivals Borussia Dortmund, Bayern have picked themselves up from their slumber. Having taken a staggering 10 points lead at the top of the table, they have shown that this could well be their year
When these two sides meet the temperatures will surely soar high as Dortmund would like to reduce the breathing space that the Bavarians have made for themselves over the last 14 League games.
18 Yard Box previews this epic clash and has a shot at the outcome of this match.
Bayern Munich
When you hear about this club, history and cups is all that comes to your mind. A club which has always been amongst the trophies has been deluded of it since the past two seasons. Last year's heart breaking Champions' League loss to Chelsea has deemed the 4 times European Champions as the new chokers of the game. However, they have started this season with a mission to prove their doubters wrong. Making some stellar signings Munich look ready to welcome their fiercest rivals tonight at their own den.
Strengths
Attack is the area where the Bayern thrive on. With strikers like Mario Mandzukic and Mario Gomez (who has returned from injury) at their disposal, the two Marios can make any defender's day bad. The two are in sublime form and Dortmund's defence in the likes of Hummels and Subotic will have to stay on their toes to block the two strikers. The buys in the midfield have also been compelling. The likes of Shaqiri and Martinez have provided great support to the midfield and have also helped out Schweinsteiger, Robben, Ribbery, Muller etc to name a few.
 |
| The return of the burly German is all that Munich reuqired |
Weakness
 |
| Ribery needs to fire |
Borussia Dortmund
As far as Borussia Dortmund is concerned, they should approach the tie with confidence having beaten Munich every time these two giants have met in the League since February 2010. But such is the nature of a football game, that history and stats count for little. The way Bayern are going about this season, it seems as even Dortmund, despite their dominance in the past two years, are running scared of the Munich giants.With a gap of 11 points to cover, Dortmund have to show that they can live up to the high standards set by themselves.
Strength
Attack is one area where Borussia Dortmund are strongest. With the trio of Lewandowski, Reus and Goetze causing havoc in opposition defenses, Bayern's defense will surely be tested to the core. Reus being a new addition this season, he has been a breath of fresh air in the Dortmund attack. With Sven Bender to support their play in the centre of the park, this attack looks one of the most threatening on the planet currently.
 |
| Goetze, Lewandowski and Reus will be scintilating to watch |
Weakness
Although weaknesses are hard to find in the well gelled Dormund side, they do lack the depth in their squad. The reason they can still go in this game with confidence is that they have managed to string together a run of victories.
 |
| Subotic and Hummels are extremely important for Dortmund |
Gotze, Hummels will return thereby fielding their best eleven which looks like team to beat on paper nevertheless the field. Their defense looks strong with Hummels and Subotic in the heart although any injury or suspension to them could make it their weakness soon.
Importance of a win
Dortmund need the win more than their counterparts. With 11 points adrift, this could be the make or break match for them. Going in this with confidence after being top of the group of death in the Champions League, Dortmund would be looking to play some good football. On the other hand if Bayern win it then it will open a 14 point gap between the two giants which might just put Dortmund's title charge in tatters.
The Final Verdict
Munich seem to have the edge over Dortmund as they play at their home ground. However, Dortmund have looked comfortable everytime they have visited them. We can expect a hungry Dortmund to control possession with Munich thriving on counter attacks. But we can fancy the away side to embarrass the Bavarians yet again by a 2-1 margin
Written By,
Aman Arora and Rishabh Ghai
Aman is a contributor for Sportskeeda, Goal.com India and also a Writer and Editor for 18 Yard Box.
Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International (all English editions) and an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box .
Follow Aman Arora on Twitter
Follow Rishabh Ghai on Twitter
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