Borussia Dortmund had a season to forget last time out. Bayern won the League with seven games to spare and they also lost the DFB POKAL (German Cup) final to the Bavarians. In the Champions League, they narrowly lost to Real Madrid over two legs. A far cry from the previous season's achievements. But they will take consolation from the fact that they actually won a trophy last season, even though it seemed to be swept under the carpet when judging how well they performed at the end of the 13/14 season. Die Schwarzgelben tortured Bayern from start to finish in last season's Super Cup clash, consigning the then UCL winners to a fourth defeat in nine of such finals. It was also Dortmund's third win in four finals v their greatest rivals. But the star performer that night will be absent from tonight's clash. German International, IIKAY GUNDOGAN is still nursing a persistent back injury that has kept him out for so long. The likes of Sven Bender and OLiver Kirch will do well to stiffen the threat posed by the World Class Bayern midfield.
As if the daggers were not drawn enough between both sides, Bayern Chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has added tension to the severed relationship by telling BILD that Marco Reus will be available for just 25 Million Euros next Summer. This hasn't gone down well with the Dortmund hierarchy with CEO, Hans Joachim Watzke accusing his Bayern counterpart of continuous interference in his club's affairs. He also added that KHR should be aware that this will only make the relationship much more tense. Jorgen Klopp has also spoken glowingly of departed Polish predator, Robert Lewandowski who hasn't put a foot wrong since joining Bayern but is determined to get one over his former player.
Both teams have not enjoyed pre-season so far. Dortmund were recently clobbered by Liverpool at Anfield and Bayern haven't exactly fared better. Beaten by the MLS all stars coupled with Pep's idiotic behaviour in the aftermath of the defeat, a lot has is left to be desired. Considering how they steamrolled the Buli last time out, a better performance will be required this time around. In league meetings last season, Bayern outplayed Dortmund at the Iduna and came out 3-0 winners. Typically, Dortmund repaid the favour by cruising past the Reds 3-0. Bayern then won the battle in the Pokal final and today, revenge will be on the minds of both for many reasons.
PROBABLE LINEUPS-
BAYERN MUNICH-
Neuer, Lahm, Boateng, Dante, Alaba, Martinez, Schweini, Bernat, Muller, Robben, lewandowski
FC Hollywood sold Kroos to Real Madrid nad brought in Bernat. The likes of Hojbjerg will almost certainly feature more often this season. New signing, Robert Lewandowski ensured that Mario Mandzukic was sold to Atletico Madrid. The Pole has hit the ground running almost immediately and there seems to be no end to his scoring streak. Wioth Franck Ribery absent, Thomas Muller, now a World Champion will partner Lewandowski and Arjen Robben in attack.
DORTMUND-
Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Subotic, Papastathopoulos, Schmelzer, Kirch, S.Bender, Jojic, Mkhitaryan, PEA, Immobile
Lewandowski's departure to Bayern was a double blow. First because he is one of the best strikers in the World and a vital ingredient. Secondly, he chose no other new pasture but the lawns of Bavaria. A slap across the face of Die Borussen. But they have gone past that. Ciro Immobile has been brought in from Torino to replace the ever dependable Pole. The Serie A hotshot and Capocannoniere (Highest goal scorer) is not Lewandowski but he can contribute greatly to the Dortmund cause. Adrian Ramos has also been lured from Hertha Berlin. The likes of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (PEA) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan will also provide support in attack. Newly installed skipper, Mats Hummels will miss out through injury but fit again Neven Subotic should start in defence alongside Greek wall, Sokratis.
Tonight, bragging rights, pride and everything will be at stake when the two greatest sides in German football go head to head. Bayern have the edge for obvious reasons but no team has the winning formula v Bayern than tonight's opponents. Should be fun
Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990