Harry Kane is poised to make his long-awaited return to Bayern Munich's starting lineup when the Bundesliga leaders host Borussia Dortmund in the first Der Klassiker of the 2026/27 season. The showdown kicks off at 5:30pm GMT, five days after Kane was crowned the Ballon d'Or 2026 winner.

The context at the top of the table

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are level on 17 points, separated only by goal difference ahead of this meeting at the Allianz Arena. The stakes could not be higher — a victory for either side would hand them a clear lead at the summit of German football.

Kane sat out Bayern's 6-1 DFB-Pokal rout of FC Magdeburg in midweek and will be eager to crown a remarkable personal week with a winning performance against Dortmund. However, Bayern face notable absentees in winger Luis Diaz and Jamal Musiala, both sidelined through injury.

Kompany's absence adds further intrigue

The build-up to Der Klassiker has been overshadowed by concern for head coach Vincent Kompany, who was hospitalised after collapsing at the training ground last Friday. The former Manchester City defender has since been diagnosed with meningeal irritation and is not expected in the dugout. Assistant coach Aaron Danks will lead the team in his place.

Dortmund's quiet efficiency

Niko Kovac's Borussia Dortmund arrived at this fixture having led the Bundesliga until a fortnight ago, but their campaign has been defined more by resilience than flair — 12 goals scored and only four conceded across seven league games. Dortmund have won each of their past three matches across three competitions by a single goal, beating Sabah in the UEFA Champions League, Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, and Werder Bremen in the DFB-Pokal.

Kovac may be able to call upon attacking midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas, while Jobe Bellingham — who has registered assists in each of his past two appearances — could start in the heart of midfield. Die Schwarzgelben, however, have already suffered one defeat to Bayern this season, losing the German Super Cup in August, and a second setback would leave them trailing a side showing no signs of slowing down.

FourFourTwo's prediction

Bayern Munich have gone unbeaten across the past five meetings between these clubs, and the home advantage — combined with Kane's motivation following his Ballon d'Or triumph — makes them narrow favourites. FourFourTwo's prediction: Bayern Munich 2-1 Borussia Dortmund.