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German football's biggest rivalry will take centre-stage on Saturday when Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund lock horns at the Signal Iduna Park in the first Bundesliga Der Klassiker of the season.
Just over a month on from their thrilling encounter in the Super Cup, the Bundesliga behemoths meet again in an enticing top-of-the-table clash, which happens to be the 128th instalment of the Der Klassiker.
Both sides have an identical record in the league this season, with five wins and a loss apiece from their respective opening six games of the season. The Bavarians hold a slight edge, as they have dominated Bundesliga clashes against Borussia Dortmund in recent times
Ahead of the mouth-watering tie, let's take a look at some of the key battles that could play a pivotal role in determining its outcome:
#1 Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich) vs Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)
One of the most important factors in Serge Gnabry's meteoric rise since returning to Bayern Munich is his big-game pedigree. He always shows up in top-billing clashes, as he loves a challenge. He could certainly expect one when he goes up against Raphael Guerreiro.
A modern-day full-back with great speed and athleticism, the Portuguese international is often seen pulling the strings in the Borussia Dortmund attack. However, his tenacity when covering the ground and tracking down opponents could be key to BVB's chances against the reigning Bundesliga and European champions.
#2 Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich) vs Emre Can (Borussia Dortmund)
Thomas Muller's renaissance under Hansi Flick has been nothing short of ordinary. The Raumdeuter (interpreter of space) is back to his best for Bayern Munich and remains the creative engine of his side.
Considering Muller's unmatched spatial intelligence and tactical awareness, Emre Can, Muller's former international teammate, could have his hands full. Can would have to be at the top of his game to deny Muller any breathing space to do what the latter does best.
#3 Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich) vs Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund)
With the prodigious Alphonso Davies sidelined with an ankle injury, Lucas Hernandez will continue to anchor the left-back position for Bayern Munich. However, he will have his hands full against Jadon Sancho, who has become the creative talisman for Borussia Dortmund in recent times.
Somewhat surprisingly, Sancho hasn't got off the mark in the league this season, an anomaly he would like to correct in the Klassiker clash. So, his opposite number, Hernandez, will have to be wary of the spaces left behind while driving forward, as that could prove detrimental for Bayern Munich.
#2 David Alaba (Bayern Munich) vs Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
Since arriving from RB Salzburg in January this year, Erling Haaland has had an explosive start to life at Borussia Dortmund, scoring at a phenomenal rate and breaking numerous records along the way. He's continued in the same vein this season too and will be the single biggest Borussia Dortmund threat for Bayern Munich.
The Norwegian teenager was on target against Bayern Munich last month in the Super Cup. To keep Haaland from scoring again, Alaba will have to make sure all the supply lines to the striker are cut out, and Haaland doesn't get enough space to line up his shots.
#1 Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich) vs Matts Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
In a reunion of old teammates, there will be no love lost during the 90 minutes when Robert Lewandowski will go up against Mats Hummels. Lewandowski, who has been on fire all year, will be keen to continue his hot streak and break his two-game duck against his former employers.
The Polish assassin has scored 18 goals from 20 games against BVB since leaving Signal Iduna Park in 2014 but has fired a blank in his last two games against them. Hummels will have to ensure that Lewandowski continues that streak and draws a rare blank this weekend.
