Diaz has been ruled out of the clash after suffering a thigh injury. His absence deals a significant blow to the reigning Bundesliga champions, testing their squad depth in a fixture that could heavily shape the title race.

Alongside the Colombian winger, Bayern will also be without captain Manuel Neuer and playmaker Jamal Musiala. With both sidelined by injury, manager Vincent Kompany will have to lean on his bench to find a winning formula against their fierce rivals.

With how to watch and kickoff details set for the marquee matchup between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, both German heavyweights are primed to leave everything on the pitch in pursuit of a crucial Bundesliga victory.

Predicted lineup for Bayern Munich without Diaz

With Michael Olise and Harry Kane slated to lead the attack, Kompany will turn to his supporting cast to spark the offense, with Serge Gnabry expected to slot in on the wing in Diaz’s place.

Predicted lineup for Bayern:

• Goalkeeper: Jonas Urbig
• Defenders: Konrad Laimer (RB), Dayot Upamecano (CB), Jonathan Tah (CB), Alphonso Davies (LB)
• Midfielders: Aleksandar Pavlovic (DM), Joshua Kimmich (DM), Michael Olise (RW), Ismael Saibari (AM), Serge Gnabry (LW)
• Strikers: Harry Kane (ST)

With top spot in the Bundesliga table on the line, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are set to renew one of European soccer’s fiercest and most storied rivalries.

Key takeaways

• Luis Diaz was ruled out of Der Klassiker after suffering a thigh injury.
• Manuel Neuer and Jamal Musiala will also miss the match due to injuries.
• Serge Gnabry is expected to replace Luis Diaz on the wing in Bayern’s lineup.

Bayern officially enter Matchday 8 occupying first place courtesy of an imposing +19 goal difference. Dortmund sit right behind in second place, trailing only on tiebreakers after an equally dominant 5-2-0 unbeaten start to their domestic campaign.

However, Bayern will contest this pivotal first-place showdown severely shorthanded. Neither club captain Manuel Neuer nor attacking talisman Jamal Musiala will take part in Saturday’s showdown, forcing manager Vincent Kompany to reshuffle his starting lineup.

Why is Manuel Neuer not playing for Bayern vs Dortmund?

Neuer misses Der Klassiker as he battles persistent tendon irritation and fluid buildup in his foot. The 40-year-old goalkeeper initially attempted to power through the discomfort during Bayern’s 2-2 Champions League draw against Arsenal, but the issue flared up again in training. Bayern’s medical staff opted to rest the veteran captain to prevent long-term structural complications.

His absence strips Bayern of their most experienced leader and an elite keeper between the posts. In his place, 23-year-old backup Jonas Urbig gets the start under intense pressure. Urbig lacks Neuer’s world-class distribution and veteran presence, putting huge responsibility on Bayern’s backline to handle Dortmund’s relentless high press style.

Why is Jamal Musiala not playing for Bayern vs Dortmund?

Musiala remains sidelined while completing his rehabilitation from a torn muscle fiber in his right thigh. The 23-year-old playmaker picked up the soft-tissue tear on international duty with Germany in late September, which forced him to withdraw from camp.

Losing Musiala removes the creative star of Bayern’s attacking third. Musiala excels at gliding through tight defensive spaces and opening up passing lanes for Ballon D’Or winner Harry Kane. Without his individual brilliance and close-control dribbling, Bayern will rely far more heavily on its wingers. If not, they won’t be able to break down Dortmund’s compact block.

Key takeaways

• Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are deadlocked at 17 points atop the Bundesliga.
• Goalkeeper Jonas Urbig gets the start for Bayern Munich in place of Manuel Neuer.
• Jamal Musiala remains sidelined with a torn muscle fiber in his right thigh.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund in the USA

Fans in the United States can watch the Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund match live on USA Network and Telemundo, with streaming available on Fubo and Peacock.

Can I watch Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund for free?

Fubo offers eligible new subscribers a 5-day free trial period that provides access to live TV channels, including USA Network in qualifying plans.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund meet in one of German soccer’s biggest rivalries, known as Der Klassiker, with both teams looking to gain an early advantage in the Bundesliga title race.

After seven matchdays, Bayern lead the standings on goal difference, with both clubs tied on 17 points. Each side has recorded five wins and two draws, leaving Saturday’s showdown as a major opportunity to move ahead of a direct challenger.

Bayern have been particularly impressive in attack, scoring 25 goals and conceding six in their first seven league matches. Harry Kane has been central to their strong start, while Michael Olise and Serge Gnabry provide additional creativity and goal-scoring threats. Bayern’s 3-1 victory over Freiburg in their most recent Bundesliga match put them back above Dortmund on goal difference.

Dortmund, coached by Niko Kovac, have built their campaign on defensive solidity. They have conceded only four goals in seven league games, two fewer than Bayern, and are coming off a 1-0 league win against Eintracht Frankfurt. Serhou Guirassy will be a key player for the visitors as they attempt to challenge Bayern’s back line and take the lead in the title race.

Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund: Predicted Lineups

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Jonas Urbig; Alphonso Davies, Jonathan Tah, Dayot Upamecano, Konrad Laimer; Tom Bischof, Joshua Kimmich; Serge Gnabry, Lennart Karl, Michael Olise; Harry Kane.

Borussia Dortmund (3-4-2-1): Gregor Kobel; Nico Schlotterbeck, Waldemar Anton, Joane Gadou; Daniel Svensson, Felix Nmecha, Joey Veerman, Julian Ryerson; Marcel Sabitzer, Fabio Silva; Serhou Guirassy.

What time is the Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund match?

Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund kicks off on Saturday, October 31, at 1:30 PM ET in the United States. The Bundesliga Matchday 8 fixture will be played at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.

• Eastern Time (ET): 1:30 PM
• Central Time (CT): 12:30 PM
• Mountain Time (MT): 11:30 AM
• Pacific Time (PT): 10:30 AM

Though fit enough to be available to Kompany and Bayern as a substitute, Diaz isn’t fully fit, and that’s the reason why the Bavarian side opted to leave him off the starting lineup against Arsenal. Addressing the decision, Kompany made his reasoning clear.

“We’re going through a period with little time to recover. Sometimes, that means one game can have an impact on the next. Diaz was already struggling towards the end of the game against Leipzig. We were worried that something had happened to him. He has trained again, so he could play a role today if he feels good. We’re happy that he’s available at all,” Kompany said before kickoff, via DAZN.

Diaz’ numbers in 2026-27 season

So far in the season, Diaz has been a staple of Bayern’s attack, just like he’s been from the moment he touched down in Munich. Diaz has appeared in 10 games across all competitions this season, registering 781 minutes (per Transfermarkt), scoring five goals and assisting another.

In the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League, the Colombian winger has scored a goal in two games, netting one during the unexpected 3-3 draw against Viking in Matchday 2.

Bayern’s starting XI vs Arsenal

Although Kompany has left the door open for Diaz to come on as a substitute against the Gunners, the Bavarians have made adjustments to their usual lineup. Manuel Neuer is back in goal after missing Bayern’s game against Viking last week.

Manuel Neuer (GK); Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Min-jae Kim, Josip Stanisic; Tom Bischof, Aleksandar Pavlovic; Serge Gnabry, Ismael Salibari, Jonathan Davies; Harry Kane.

With Diaz raising concerns on whether he can play the full 90 minutes, Kompany landed on Davies, who usually plays as a left back, to replace the Colombian striker in attack.

Key takeaways

• Luis Diaz was left out of Bayern Munich’s starting lineup against Arsenal due to fitness issues.
• Luis Diaz has scored five goals in 10 games for Bayern Munich this season.
• Jonathan Davies replaced Luis Diaz in attack for Bayern Munich against Arsenal.

Though for very different reasons, Bayern‘s starting XI to face the Gunners will be highlighted by the key absences of Musiala and Olise. Still, Kompany will have other top stars available in the squad, including Harry Kane, who knows a thing or two about facing Arsenal.

As the North London club arrives at Allianz Arena, Kane will be waiting, fork and knife in hand, bib in place, ready to have a meal. The same can’t be said about Musiala and Olise, though.

Musiala is out with injury

Musiala is still sidelined with a muscle tear in his right thigh. The 2026-27 season has been filled with adversity for Musiala, who cleared concerns and explained why he fainted twice during the preseason, but hasn’t been a regular presence for Bayern due to multiple health setbacks.

His latest injury occured during warmups in an international game for Germany and has kept Musiala inactive since Sept. 24. So far in the season, Musiala has only played four games (213 minutes, according to Transfermarkt), scoring two goals and assisting another.

Olise must serve suspension

As for Olise, the reason for the Londoner’s absence is much different. Olise was shown two yellow cards, resulting in a red one, during Bayern’s shocking 3-3 tie against Viking in Matchday 2 of the Champions League. As is standard for such send-offs, Olise will have to serve a one-game suspension, keeping him out of the lineup against Arsenal.

Olise’s bookings happened just seconds apart making for an uncommon ejection. It was Olise’s first red card of his senior career, and it has cost him his appearance against the Gunners.

Key takeaways

• Bayern Munich will miss Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, and Michael Olise against Arsenal.
• Jamal Musiala remains sidelined with a muscle tear in his right thigh.
• Michael Olise is suspended following a red card received against Viking.

The German club issued a statement on the matter through its official X account: “Due to a death in his immediate family, Joshua Kimmich is not in the squad today for the match against Arsenal London. On behalf of the family, we ask that his privacy and grief be respected, and that further inquiries and reporting be refrained from. In deep sympathy, the entire FC Bayern stands by Joshua Kimmich’s side.”

Although Kimmich’s absence is a significant blow to Vincent Kompany’s midfield, the reasons behind his unavailability are entirely understandable. The Bavarians have plenty of options at their disposal to go toe-to-toe with the Gunners at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern eye second 2026-27 UCL win

Bayern Munich kicked off their Champions League campaign with total authority before getting caught in a wild thriller. They started Matchday 1 in absolute steamroller mode, crushing Bodo Glimt 5–0 at the Allianz Arena.

But Matchday 2 proved to be a reality check—they traveled to Norway to face Viking FK and ended up scrambling in a chaotic 3–3 draw after picking up a late red card. With 4 points from their opening two games, the Bavarians showed they’ve got serious firepower, but also a few defensive kinks to smooth out as the tournament heats up.

Another major absence for Bayern

Kompany will have to reshuffle his midfield and attack ahead of the clash against Arsenal, as Michael Olise will also be unavailable. The Frenchman was sent off in the previous match against Viking and will have to serve a one-match suspension.

Key takeaways

• Joshua Kimmich is out against Arsenal following a death in his immediate family.
• Bayern Munich crushed Bodo Glimt 5–0 before drawing 3–3 against Viking FK.
• Michael Olise misses the match to serve a one-game suspension after his red card.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs Arsenal in the USA

Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal will be available to watch in the United States through Paramount+, ViX, TUDN USA and UniMás. Fans can also access coverage through the digital platforms TUDN.com, Univision NOW and the TUDN App.

Can I watch Bayern Munich vs Arsenal for free?

There is no confirmed free legal livestream of the full Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal match in the United States. Paramount+ and ViX are the listed streaming options, and viewers should check whether their existing subscriptions include the game.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Bayern Munich and Arsenal meet in one of the standout fixtures of Matchday 3 of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league phase. Both clubs have made strong starts to their European campaigns, and Wednesday’s matchup offers an early opportunity to strengthen their position in the race for direct qualification to the Round of 16. Under the competition’s format, the top eight teams advance directly, while clubs finishing ninth through 24th enter a two-legged playoff.

Bayern opened their European campaign with a commanding 5-0 win over Bodo/Glimt before drawing 3-3 against Viking. Vincent Kompany’s side has also demonstrated its attacking potential in the Bundesliga, including a 6-1 victory over RB Leipzig on October 17. However, the draw against Viking showed that Bayern can be vulnerable defensively, a concern against an Arsenal team capable of exploiting mistakes.

Arsenal arrive in Munich after beating Napoli 1-0 and Lille 3-0 in their first two Champions League matches. Mikel Arteta‘s team has combined defensive solidity with an efficient attack, giving the Gunners an opportunity to test themselves against one of Europe’s most dangerous home sides. A positive result away from home would further strengthen Arsenal’s early position in the league phase.

Bayern Munich vs Arsenal: Predicted Lineups

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Jonas Urbig; Alphonso Davies, Jonathan Tah, Dayot Upamecano, Konrad Laimer; Aleksandar Pavlovic, Joshua Kimmich; Luis Diaz, Ismael Saibari, Lennart Karl; Harry Kane.

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): David Raya; Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ezri Konsa, Jurrien Timber; Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Eberechi Eze, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke; Viktor Gyokeres.

What time is the Bayern Munich vs Arsenal match?

The Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal match kicks off on Wednesday, October 21, at 3:00 p.m. ET in the United States. The Champions League fixture is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. local time in Munich at the Allianz Arena.

• Eastern Time: 3:00 p.m.
• Central Time: 2:00 p.m.
• Mountain Time: 1:00 p.m.
• Pacific Time: 12:00 p.m.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs Leipzig in the USA

Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig will be available to watch live in the United States on Fubo, USA Network, Peacock, Telemundo and Telemundo Deportes En Vivo.

Can I watch Bayern Munich vs Leipzig for free?

Yes, eligible viewers can watch Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig for free through Fubo‘s 5-day free trial, when the trial is offered to their account.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Bayern Munich host RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, October 17, in a crucial Bundesliga Matchday 6 clash between two of the league’s most dangerous attacking teams.

Bayern sit third in the standings with 11 points, while Leipzig are fifth with nine, meaning the visitors could move ahead of the defending champions with a victory. Freiburg and Borussia Dortmund lead the table with 13 points each, adding further importance to a matchup that could shape the early title race.

Bayern enter the game looking to bounce back after consecutive 2-2 draws against Augsburg in the Bundesliga and Viking in the UEFA Champions League. Despite dropping points, Vincent Kompany‘s side remain one of Germany’s most productive attacks, having scored 16 goals in their first five league matches. Bayern have also been formidable at home, extending their unbeaten run at the Allianz Arena to 14 games, with 12 wins and two draws.

Leipzig, meanwhile, arrive in Munich with renewed confidence after a 6-0 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt in Matchday 5. Christopher Nkunku scored a first-half hat-trick, while Antonio Nusa also played a key role in the emphatic victory.

They have scored 15 league goals so far, just one fewer than Bayern, and the developing partnership between Nkunku and Nusa gives Martin Demichelis‘ side a potent attacking threat.

Bayern Munich vs Leipzig: Predicted Lineups

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer; Alphonso Davies, Jonathan Tah, Dayot Upamecano, Josip Stanisic; Aleksandar Pavlovic, Joshua Kimmich; Luis Diaz, Ismael Saibari, Michael Olise; Harry Kane.

RB Leipzig (4-2-3-1): Maarten Vandevoordt; David Raum, Castello Lukeba, Willi Orban, Ridle Baku; Neil El Aynaoui, Ezechiel Banzuzi; Antonio Nusa, Christopher Nkunku, Andrija Maksimovic; Romulo.

What time is the Bayern Munich vs Leipzig match?

Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig kicks off on Saturday, October 17, at 12:30 p.m. ET at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. The match is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. local time in Germany.

• Eastern Time: 12:30 p.m.
• Central Time: 11:30 a.m.
• Mountain Time: 10:30 a.m.
• Pacific Time: 9:30 a.m.

Coming off a head-scratching outing in Bayern’s 2-2 draw against Augsburg in Bundesliga action, Neuer’s demotion raised eyebrows. However, the decision apparently has nothing to do with the veteran’s recent, out-of-character form. Instead, Neuer has been sidelined as a precaution by Kompany and the coaching staff.

“[Neuer] can’t train [Monday]. He’s felt something in his foot,” Kompany said, via ESPN. “So that quickly answers the question of who will be in goal [Tuesday]. It makes no sense to take any unnecessary risks. I don’t want to call it an injury. But when you feel something and it doesn’t get better, at some point you realize we need to do something, and we’ll do that by taking no risk if he doesn’t feel 100 percent.”

Who replaces Neuer in goal for Bayern?

As Neuer deals with the setback in his foot—Kompany refused to call it an injury per se—the Bavarians will start Jonas Urbig in goal on the controversial artificial pitch in Stavanger, Norway. It will be Urbig’s third game of the season and his eighth career UEFA Champions League appearance. Urbig has been in bigger continental games before, though.

Last season he was called into action midway through the Round of 16 first-leg against Bayer Leverkusen and ended up starting the rest of the way as Bayern were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Inter Milan.

Although Viking fans will push to make life hell for Bayern, Urbig may be in for a night with little action in goal in Stavanger.

Why Musiala isn’t playing vs Viking

As for Musiala, the German international returned early from the past FIFA international break after suffering a muscle tear in his right thigh warming up for a game against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League.

It’s been that kind of start to the season for Musiala, who suffered two collapses during consecutive pre-season friendlies, and has missed more games than he’s played so far in 2026-27 for Bayern. Musiala cleared concerns and explained why he fainted, but the health issues have remained. Regardless, Kompany called Musiala’s latest setback “minor”, and him being sidelined could also be a product of what the team hopes will be a smooth sailing in Norway.

Who knows, though? The Bavarians will cross paths with vikings in foreign waters, one misstep, and they might come back to regret it.

Key takeaways

• Manuel Neuer felt something in his foot and has been taken off the starting XI as a precaution.
• Jamal Musiala isn’t playing as he is still rehabbing from a “minor muscle tear” in his right thigh.
• Jonas Urbig is Bayern’s starting goalkeeper against Viking in Matchweek 2 of the UEFA Champions League.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin in the USA

Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin will be available in the United States on Telemundo and Telemundo Deportes En Vivo. For viewers who prefer streaming, Fubo, Peacock and Fandango provide live Bundesliga coverage.

Can I watch Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin for free?

Fubo is another option for eligible new subscribers. Its current service offers free trials, with the platform’s plan information showing 5-day trials on eligible plans.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Bayern Munich and Union Berlin meet on Matchday 4 of the 2026-27 Bundesliga season, with both sides looking for a result before the league pauses for the first international break of the campaign.

Bayern have collected seven points from their opening three matches after beating Stuttgart 5-1, drawing 0-0 at Schalke and then edging newly promoted Elversberg 2-1. Union, meanwhile, are still searching for their first Bundesliga win after drawing 3-3 with Eintracht Frankfurt before consecutive defeats against Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke.

For Bayern, the fixture is also the club’s first home Bundesliga game during the 2026 Oktoberfest period, with the champions set to debut their traditional special-edition Oktoberfest shirt.

More importantly, Vincent Kompany‘s team can use another home victory to maintain its early position near the top of the table after dropping points in the goalless draw at Schalke. The club’s official fixture announcement confirms that the Union match marks the start of Bayern’s Oktoberfest period before the international break.

Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin: Predicted Lineups

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Jonas Urbig; Nathaniel Brown, Jonathan Tah, Dayot Upamecano, Josip Stanisic; Aleksandar Pavlovic, Joshua Kimmich; Luis Diaz, Michael Olise, Lennart Karl; Harry Kane.

Union Berlin (4-4-2): Frederik Ronnow; Tom Rothe, Felix Uduokhai, Leopold Querfeld, Christopher Trimmel; Livan Burcu, Rani Khedira, Aljoscha Kemlein, Michel Aebischer; Emmanuel Latte Lath, Jeong Woo-yeong.

What time is the Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin match?

Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin kicks off on Friday, September 18, at 2:30 PM ET. The match is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. local time in Munich at the Allianz Arena.

• Eastern Time: 2:30 PM
• Central Time: 1:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 12:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 11:30 AM

How to watch Bayern Munich vs Bodo/Glimt in the USA

Bayern Munich vs Bodø/Glimt will be available to watch live in the United States on Paramount+, as well as through TUDN USA, UniMas, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, the TUDN App and ViX.

Can I watch Bayern Munich vs Bodo/Glimt for free?

There is no confirmed free legal broadcast of Bayern Munich vs Bodo/Glimt in the United States. The match is carried by subscription services.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Bayern Munich begin their 2026-27 UEFA Champions League campaign at home against Bodo/Glimt, with the German champions aiming to take an early step toward their stated objective of finishing in the league phase’s top eight and securing direct passage to the round of 16.

Bayern have reached the knockout rounds in every Champions League season since 2008-09, making another deep European run the expectation rather than the exception. The Bavarians also have a remarkable record in Champions League openers.

They have won their last 22 Matchday 1 games in the competition, with their last defeat in an opening fixture coming against Deportivo La Coruna in 2002. A victory against Bodo/Glimt would extend that record to 23 consecutive opening wins.

There is another major reason to expect Bayern to be aggressive at the Allianz Arena. They have gone 38 consecutive Champions League group-stage or league-phase home games without a defeat, winning 36 and drawing two since Manchester City beat them 3-2 in December 2013.

Bayern have also scored 17 goals and conceded only three across their four previous home matches against Norwegian opposition. Bodo/Glimt, however, are far from a straightforward opponent.

The Norwegian club made history last season by becoming the first Norwegian team to win a Champions League knockout-phase tie, eliminating Inter in the playoff round before reaching the round of 16. Their 2025-26 campaign also included victories over Manchester City and Atletico Madrid, while they earned a 2-2 draw away to Borussia Dortmund.

Bayern Munich vs Bodo/Glimt: Predicted Lineups

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer; Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Alphonso Davies; Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic; Michael Olise, Ismael Saibari, Luis Diaz; Harry Kane.

Bodo/Glimt (4-3-3): Nikita Haikin; Fredrik Sjovold, Villads Nielsen, Odin Bjortuft, Fredrik Andre Bjorkan; Sondre Auklend, Patrick Berg, Sondre Fet; Ole Didrik Blomberg, Andreas Helmersen, Ola Brynhildsen.

What time is the Bayern Munich vs Bodo/Glimt match?

The Bayern Munich vs Bodo/Glimt match kicks off on Thursday, September 10, at 3:00 PM ET. UEFA lists the game for 9:00 PM local time in Munich, with the Allianz Arena hosting the Matchday 1 clash.

• Eastern Time: 3:00 PM
• Central Time: 2:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 1:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 12:00 PM