Munich, Germany – Bayern Munich survived its first match with Bastian Schweinsteiger sidelined, but will face a big test without the crucial Germany international Saturday against Borussia Dortmund.
Bayern Munich has been one of the best clubs in Europe this season, outscoring its opponents 32-4 in 12 Bundesliga matches. Bayern is also undefeated in the Champions League "Group of Death," including a win over Manchester City.
Bayern leads defending champion Dortmund by five points after 12 matches.
But with Schweinsteiger sidelined with a fractured collarbone, Bayern lacked a lot of leadership in midfield in a 2-1 win over last-place Augsburg before the international break.
Schweinsteiger also missed Germany's games against Ukraine and Netherlands and now the huge contingent of national team players from Bayern and Dortmund will stand as opponents just four days after the 3-0 win over the Netherlands.
Bayern holds the edge on internationals and Bayern and Germany captain Philipp Lahm was rested for the friendlies and in-form striker Mario Gomez didn't play a part against Holland either.
Gomez, who leads the Bundesliga with 13 goals, believes Bayern will be the top side this weekend, even with Schweinsteiger out through the winter break.
"We're at home, and we want to impose our style on the match, even against our biggest rivals," Gomez said. "Dortmund have some extremely classy individuals, but we know we're better than them."
Dortmund's Germany contingent includes young star Mario Gotze, but Bayern will counter with young internationals Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller, as it looks to avenge a 3-1 home loss to Dortmund last season.
Bayern could also welcome back Dutch winger Arjen Robben, who has missed most of the season through injury, and Schweinsteiger believes he could play a key role - even just as a substitute.
"He's training, so it looks good, but you never know what might happen with Arjen before Saturday," said Schweinsteiger.
"I don't think he'll play from that start, but if he is there, then personally I'd be even more confident of victory. He can make the difference."
While Dortmund, which has six wins and a draw in its last eight matches in all competitions, will try to close the gap on Bayern, a win at the Allianz Arena by the hosts could push the gap to eight points over their main title rival.
Overshadowed this weekend, Werder Bremen visits Monchengladbach in a battle of clubs tied on points with Dortmund but third and fourth, respectively, on goal differential.
Gladbach is one of only two teams to defeat Bayern this season, stealing a 1-0 win on the opening weekend of the season and will try to defend its undefeated home record against Bremen on Saturday.
Schalke also plays Saturday at Nurnberg, and it could jump all three clubs for second place as it is just one point behind the trio entering the weekend.
Bayer Leverkusen visits Kaiserslautern on Friday to open the weekend's matches and also Saturday, Cologne hosts Mainz, Wolfsburg hosts Hannover, and Freiburg hosts Hertha Berlin. Stuttgart hosts Augsburg and Hamburg hosts Hoffenheim on Sunday.
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