Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich's attacking strength remains impressive despite the absence of several important players. Wednesday's 6-1 cup victory over Magdeburg featured two goals from Michael Olise, while Ismael Saibari also found the net. Harry Kane was rested and is expected to return against Borussia Dortmund. Interim coach Aaron Danks continues to lead the team while Vincent Kompany recovers from illness. Manuel Neuer remains unavailable because of foot pain, and Jamal Musiala and Luis Díaz are also sidelined. Joshua Kimmich's participation will depend on a final decision after his return to group training on Friday.
Jonas Urbig is set to continue in goal behind a defence likely to feature Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah. Nathaniel Brown and Konrad Laimer are candidates for the full-back positions, although Josip Stanišić offers an alternative. Aleksandar Pavlović could partner Kimmich in midfield, with Tom Bischof available if the latter does not return. Further forward, Saibari is pushing for the central attacking role, while Alphonso Davies and Serge Gnabry compete for a position alongside Olise and Kane.
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund's defensive record faces its toughest examination of the season. Niko Kovač's side have conceded just four goals in seven Bundesliga matches and kept five clean sheets, giving them the strongest defence in the competition. Their 1-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt was followed by a dramatic 3-2 cup win against Werder Bremen, secured through Marcel Sabitzer's stoppage-time free-kick. Dortmund have also received positive news regarding Konstantinos Karetsas, who has recovered sufficiently from an ankle ligament injury to travel with the squad.
Kovač is expected to retain his three-man defensive structure, with Nico Schlotterbeck, Waldemar Anton and Joane Gadou among the leading candidates. Ramy Bensebaini is available again after serving a cup suspension. Julian Ryerson and Daniel Svensson offer width, while Felix Nmecha and Joey Veerman are strong options in central midfield. Maximilian Beier's recent contributions have increased his chances of starting behind Serhou Guirassy, although Fábio Silva and Carney Chukwuemeka remain alternatives. Dortmund's ability to defend collectively and exploit the spaces behind Bayern's high defensive line could prove decisive.
