Happy (almost) Halloween!

In this season’s first edition of Der Klassiker, Borussia Dortmund head to the Allianz Arena in what all of us will be hoping is NOT a frightful encounter. There is one thing decidedly spooky about the occasion, however—that Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich go into Matchday 8 level on points. Both sides will look back at their draws as serious missed opportunities. Dortmund to pull ahead of the Bavarians, and Bayern to be more Bayern-ey. Alas, a draw is a draw, and an interesting encounter awaits in Munich.

If Borussia Dortmund can come away from The Allianz with a victory, it will change the tone for the entire season. According to the internet (you know what I mean), Dortmund have never directly leapfrogged Bayern from second into first in a head-to-head encounter. To do so in a season where BVB have already proven competitive in the league would be a show of intent, and would put Bayern back among the chasing pack, where they were for a few Matchdays to start the season. Dortmund.

Dortmund have not exactly looked like giant killers for their part. A 1-0 victory over a surprisingly weak Frankfurt side doesn’t instill massive confidence, nor does a 1-0 loss to Bodo or a 2-2 crumbling against Bremen. BUT! It has happened before. Dortmund have played well against Bayern Munich. I promise. There are a lot of players in this team that like to moan about wanting to win titles; this edition of Der Klassiker is the first step toward one.

There are many players to watch in the Bayern Munich side, but it seems only right to acknowledge this year’s Balon D’or victor. I have no reason to like Harry Kane—he plays for Bayern Munich, who I hate. He represents England, who I actively cheer against (sorry Paul it’s not personal). And he sounds funny. But once that’s out of the way, Harry Kane is just class. He is an outstanding footballer, an upstanding guy, and a deserved victor of the (otherwise fake) award for the best player in the world. Kane deserves to be recognized as one of the greats of the modern game, and I’m pleased that he has been.

For his victory lap, he gets to face a side against which he has had a fair bit of success. Kane boasts six goals and one assist in six appearances against BVB. Grim reading for fans on the yellow side of the contest. BVB struggle with powerful, confident, classic forwards like Kane (and Füllkrug) and the Englishman will be eager to pull his side firmly to the top of the table.

After a grueling midweek match, Kovac will have some thinking to do. He needs to field his best side, and at this stage, injuries being what they are, that has become pretty well established.

I expect Kovac will trust Beier and Sabitzer over the alternatives, as Chukwuemeka started midweek, and Sabitzer is, hopefully, riding high on his heroics. Nwaneri just hasn’t really been “it” so far, I’m not sure why that would change at the Allianz. Let’s see if Jobe Bellingham can assist someone on his own team this time, instead of Bayern’s.

I expect BVB to lose 3-1. Sorry folks. Two from Kane and one from Olise. Late consolation screamer from Joey Veerman to open his account. Something so beautiful that it will make it all that much worse.