Bayern Munich vs Dortmund: Bundesliga top of the table clash

German Bundesliga record champions FC Bayern Munich tonight host current champions Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Arena in what promises to be a top encounter with the duo also being currently one and two in the Bundesliga league table.

Bayern Munich under new-and-old coach Jupp Heynckes have been a different outfit then last season especially with the signings in defence - goalkeeper Manuel Neuer along with defenders Rafinha and Jerome Boateng - giving the team much needed stability at the back. So far Bayern have only conceded four goals in 12 league matches, which shows the new found strength at the back.

But upfront the Bavarians aren't pushovers either with the team having scoring an impressive 32 goals so far. Especially striker Mario Gomez has been able to conserve his form from last season as he has scored 13 goals in only 11 matches, while Franck Ribery has scored not only six goals but set-up numerous more.

Borussia Dortmund meanwhile had a mixed start to their season, but in recent weeks they have been able to find their form as they moved up in the table to now be Bayern Munich's number one challenger though they are five points away just liek Werder Bremen.

Especially Polish striker Robert Lewandowski has been in fine form with 8 goals to his name, while he has taken the place of injured Lucas Barrios and even after Barrios has come back from injury Lewandowski has stayed the number one striker. But the most important development has been that the midfield comprising of youngsters Mario Götze, Shinji Kagawa and Kevin Großkreutz has found their form of last season and have once more troubled recent opponents.

Bayern Munich will be missing the services of injured Bastian Schweinsteiger as well as the suspended Anatoliy Tymoshchuk. Dortmund meanwhile will miss centre-back Neven Subotic as due to an injury.

Tonight at 18.30 CET the Round 13 match kicks-off in Munich which could decide on who gets the unofficial title of mid-season champions in a few weeks. Bayern will hope to open up a eight point lead, while Dortmund will try and close the gap at the front.