While Bayern Munich have already created an 11-point cushion at the Bundesliga summit, they will have to be at their best once again if they want to make it to the next round of the DFB Pokal.

Revived Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, have a chance to prove they are effectively back in business and at the same time eliminate the number one candidates for the trophy.

Even if many people were surprised by the club’s decision to sack Carlo Ancelotti, that is now proving a very good move as the team have excelled under Jupp Heynckes.

After struggling in the opening exchanges, the Bavarians went on to win 13 of 15 matches since the new boss took over the reigns, staking a claim for yet another league trophy in the process.

It is, however, clear that the players are in desperate need of some rest, having lost one match and recorded four narrow wins in last seven.

Bayern recorded three straight 1-0 triumphs, and they were fortunate to defeat Stuttgart last time out as the opponents missed a last-gasp penalty.

This is enough to suggest the Bavarians will have to raise their game if they want to defeat Borussia Dortmund, despite the fact they have been made 1.44 (4/9) favourites to win.

While Manuel Neuer, Arjen Robben and Thiago Alcantara continue to miss out, James Rodriguez and Jerome Boateng could be rested.

Probable starting line-up (4-1-4-1): Ulreich – Kimmich, Sule, Hummels, Alaba – Martinez – Muller, Rodriguez, Vidal, Ribery – Lewandowski.

This has proved to be a really difficult season for Borussia Dortmund, but they, too, have showed improvement since changing their head coach.

Following the dismal start to the season and his dismissal at FC Koln, Peter Stoger was a shocking choice to replace Peter Bosz, but he has so far done brilliantly at Signal-Iduna Park.

Under his command, Borussia recorded back to back wins over Mainz and Hoffenheim, something they had failed to do since 23rd September.

Said two victories saw the Millionaires return to the Bundesliga top four, although they now sit level on points with Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig and Borussia M’gladbach.

With the first part of the league campaign now finished, Borussia will attempt to get one over their rivals before they go on the winter break, and they are 6.50 (11/2) chance to win at Allianz Arena.

New boss Peter Stoger faces a genuine selection headache considering that Marco Reus, Lukasz Piszczek, Erik Durm, Gonzalo Castro, Mario Gotze, Sebastian Rode and Maximilian Philipp are all out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-1-4-1): Burki – Toljan, Toprak, Sokratis, Schmelzer – Weigl – Yarmolenko, Kagawa, Guerreiro, Pulisic – Aubameyang.