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| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
BAYERN MUNICH  Neuer Boateng, Van Buyten, Badstuber, Lahm Luiz Gustavo, Alaba Muller, Kroos, Ribery Gomez | BORUSSIA DORTMUND  Weidenfeller Piszczek, Felipe Santana, Hummels, Lowe Bender, Leitner Gotze, Kagawa, Grosskreutz Lewandowski |
With Anatoliy Tymoshchuk suspended, Luiz Gustavo takes his place as Bayern's anchor. Some would expect Kroos to set up shop next to him as the Bavarians' second pivot after his glittering displays for Germany, but Jupp Heynckes publicly stated on Wednesday that young Toni would not be taking Bastian Schweinsteiger's place – so David Alaba starts in central midfield.
In defence, Jerome Boateng returns from suspension, so expect Rafinha to drop to the bench. In attack, Arjen Robben has been passed fit, although Heynckes may wish to use the Dutchman sparingly.
Having fractured his cheekbone in a clash with Wolfsburg's Sotirios Kyrgiakos at the start of the month, while Neven Subotic is still a few weeks from a return to action for Dortmund. Felipe Santana will deputise at centre-back, and elsewhere in the back line, Marcel Schmelzer's availability will be subject to a late decision by Jurgen Klopp.
| DID YOU KNOW |
These two teams have met each other a total of 85 times. Bayern are in the lead in terms of games won with 39, while Dortmund have only 20.
- Dortmund can close in on Bayern's lead at the top of the Bundesliga to a meagre two points if they pick up an away win at the Allianz Arena, although Bayern still have a vastly superior goal difference with +28 to BVB's +17.
- From 1995-2009, Dortmund star Mats Hummels, now considered to be amongst the best defenders in the Bundesliga, was a Bayern Munich youth and fringe player.
- Mario Gomez is amongst the very top scorers at club level in Europe this season with a mammoth tally of 13 goals. Dortmund's closest is Robert Lewandowski with eight.
- Dortmund are unbeaten in seven games, while Bayern are on a four-match winning streak.
Prediction
Bayern have been playing with a swagger for months now and will be difficult to stop, especially at the Allianz Arena. The hosts will undoubtedly find the net, so the result may be dependent on whether Dortmund can keep up with the pace.
Editor's Prediction
Bayern Munich 3-1 Borussia Dortmund 
