Bayern Munich vs Dortmund: Match Preview and Prediction
Bundesliga | Saturday, 31 October 2026 | Allianz Arena, Munich
One of the most talked about fixtures in the Bundesliga, two undefeated sides both sitting on 17 points after 7 rounds. On Saturday 31st October 2026, Bayern Munich host Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Arena. With the top of the league on the line, this match will really tell us who has a stronger claim for the title at this early stage in the season.
The Situation
Bayern are currently sitting in pole position ahead of their rivals by just goal difference. A huge difference in how the two teams have fared in the competition so far. Bayern have scored an impressive 25 goals and conceded only 6, whilst Dortmund have only managed 12 goals and conceded 4. One team have dominated with attacking flair, whilst the other have been extremely difficult to break down.
Both teams have been in great form this week. Bayern came out with a 3-1 victory over Freiburg last weekend and then added another 6-1 cup win against Magdeburg in midweek. Whilst Dortmund have had a great week too, winning 1-0 against Eintracht Frankfurt and narrowly beating Werder Bremen 3-2 in the cup.
The Bayern Situation
Bayern had a strange few days this week after head coach Vincent Kompany fell ill at the training ground last Friday. He was in hospital for several days, and has since been released. However, there is no set time for him to return. The assistant coach, Aaron Danks has taken charge and has had a great start with two wins out of two. Whilst nobody wants to make an issue out of his illness, it would be incorrect to say that the team do not have it on their mind.
On a positive note, Harry Kane won the Ballon d’Or earlier this week. This means he will be the most talked about player in the stadium on Saturday and he usually plays his best football when in the spotlight. Bayern Munich vs Dortmund: Match Preview and Prediction
Team News
Bayern have a long injury list to contend with. Jamal Musiala and Luis Diaz are both ruled out, while Manuel Neuer remains a doubt. Be sure to check the confirmed teams before game time as his presence and the midfield are key to this game. Dortmund also have issues. Emre Can and Giannis Konstantelias are both out. Can is especially going to be missed as he brings leadership and composure.Bayern Munich vs Dortmund: Match Preview and Prediction
Predicted lineups
Bayern Munich
40 Urbig J. (G),27 Laimer K.,2 Upamecano D.,4 Tah J.,19 Davies A.,45 Pavlovic A.,6 Kimmich J.,17 Olise M.,34 Saibari I., 7 Gnabry S.,9 Kane H.,
Dortmund
1 Kobel G.(G),22 Gadou J.,3 Anton W , Schlotterbeck N.,26 Ryerson J.,7 Bellingham J.,8 Nmecha F.,24 SvenssonD.,14 Beier M.,20 Sabitzer M.,9 Guirassy S
Key Things To Look Out For
It will be interesting to see if Dortmund can play tight for 90 minutes. Kovac has built his side around a tight defensive block and fast counter attacking. They have done well throughout the season with only 4 goals conceded in their 7 league games and just 1 loss in all competitions recently (away to Norway in the Champions League).
However, Bayern perform differently at home. With the noise in the Allianz Arena and an early goal, opponents often find themselves stretched and Michael Olise and Kane are exceptional at punishing this. If Dortmund fall behind, they will have to open up and this works perfectly for Bayern.
If Dortmund do manage to score first or keep things level until the second half there will be some nervousness in Dortmund. Bayern have a temporary coach, a lack of players and a Champions League game to Madrid on Tuesday. The best thing Dortmund can do is try and be patient and counter.Read More
Head to head
Recent history favours the home side. Bayern have won the last three meetings, including a 2-1 Super Cup win in August and a 3-2 win at Dortmund in February. Those games were close, with goals at both ends each time. That is a decent hint for this one.
Prediction
Although this should be a close match, I think that Bayern will get the job done. Their attacking unit is much more a threat, and playing at home in such an important game will give them a big edge. Dortmund will score but given that they are always a threat in any game, I do not think they will remain clean sheet.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 4-1 Borussia Dortmund
RushPredicts options:
The both teams to score
The over 2.5 goals is a decent bet but Dortmund’s defensive record does make this slightly less certain.
If you want to go for a safer bet then going for a double chance (Bayern or draw) will cover the most probable outcomes.
Check out daily Football Predictions to analyze today’s upcoming matches.