B DORTMUND v BAYERN MUNICH KLASS ACTS

Stakes couldn’t be higher in Der Klassiker – Germany’s biggest grudge match – and Lambert says his old side have to win it

PAUL LAMBERT says Borussia Dortmund have to win the biggest grudge match in German football tonight to remain in the Bundesliga title race.

The former Dortmund favourite insists Der Klassiker between his old club and Bayern rivals the Old Firm derby for intensity. The two German clubs not only hail from the historic warring states of Bavaria and Prussia, they also have conflicting images with Dortmund a working-class club versus the glamorous Munich outfit nicknamed ‘FC Hollywood’.

The rivalry is now the biggest in the Bundesliga with the two clubs meeting in the 2013 Champions

League final. Tonight also sees the shoot-out between two of the hottest strikers around – Bayern’s Robert Lewandowski and teen sensation Erling Haaland of Dortmund.

Plus Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are fighting for this year’s German league title. Defending champions Bayern sit four points clear at the top and Lambert, now in charge of Ipswich, said: “Dortmund have to win.

“Bayern Munich can afford to lose. They will still be a point ahead if they lose, but Dortmund will be on their coat-tails if they win. Dortmund will go for them – I don’t think they can play another way. The only thing missing is the intensity from the crowd.

“When you play in front of that crowd, that gives you another yard. The size of it and the volume of it.

“But Borussia Dortmund won’t sit off them. If Dortmund play as well as they can, they can get the result.” The Scot, who won the 1997 Champions League with Dortmund (circle), added: “The rivalry is really big.

“When you compare it to the Old Firm game, the intensity of both games is of the highest order.”

Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski go head to head tonight 14 ...................... games 16 ......................... goals 25 ..................... games 27 ........................ goals

TIMO WERNER is a perfect fit for Liverpool’s speedy style, according to Paul Lambert. The RB Leipzig striker’s weekend hat-trick took to his tally to 30 goals this season. Werner, 24, (right) has a £52million buyout clause in his contract, but Liverpool face potential competition for his signature from Chelsea, Manchester United and Inter Milan. Former Borussia Dortmund star Lambert said: “I saw him playing a few years ago and he was lightning quick. His model and Liverpool’s are the same. Everybody knows they play with speed, and he has that. “Leipzig are a quick, quick side. That is their game. So would he fit in? Yes. Speed is definitely part of both teams’ DNA.” But BT Sport’s Owen Hargreaves said Werner would struggle to take Roberto Firmino’s Anfield place. He said: “The way United play, I could see him there. Chelsea could be a good fit. He’s perfect for Liverpool, but he’s not guaranteed to start.”