Bayern Munich will be looking to banish the memories of their last game before the international break, when they travel to Borussia Dortmund today.
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Pep Guardiola’s side suffered an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach last time out. But, the international break is likely to have helped reinvigorate the side after the humbling at the Allianz Arena.
With a lead of ten points over their closest rivals, Wolfsburg, Bayern could be forgiven for some complacency, but now they will be looking to return to their ruthless best.
In contrast, Jurgen Klopp is still feeling the pressure at Dortmund. The 2012 Bundesliga Champions have spent much of the season languishing in the bottom-half, and even at times, sitting in the relegation zone. But their recent form is better than their current mid-table position suggests.
While they are not in Champions League contention like Bayern’s conquerors nearly two weeks ago were, Dortmund have had an excellent 2015, losing just once since the turn of the year.
The home side’s task will made slightly easier as David Alaba, Arjen Robben, and Franck Ribery will all be missing the clash at Signal Iduna Park through injury.
Dortmund however have their own concerns, with defender Marcel Schmelzer, and midfielder Nuri Sahin expected to be absentees.
Centre-half Mats Hummels should start the game, despite the Guardian this week suggesting that a move to Manchester United was on the cards. He will likely be coming up against former teammate Robert Lewandowski during the repeat of the 2013 Champions League Final.