Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp claims his team are "as hot as a deep-fat fryer" ahead of the 134th Ruhr derby.

The two local rivals meet in front of more than 80,000 fans at the Westfalen Stadion in the first of two games that the clubs rank higher than any other in the Bundesliga, and Klopp insists his side are ready.

"The two derbies are the most important games but the home game is always the ultimate game of the year," he said.

"Whoever signs on at Dortmund knows how important this derby is.

"We are certainly as hot as a deep-fat fryer."

Schalke manager Felix Magath also knows how important this game is to his side's followers as he prepares for his first derby since taking over the Gelsenkirchen club in the summer.

He won the dress rehearsal in the smaller Ruhr derby against Bochum in midweek to leave him confident of success on Saturday.

"It is the game of the year for the fans," he said.

"With our win in Bochum, we can travel to Dortmund with our heads held high. That was a good basis for being able to win in Dortmund, too."

Schalke threw away a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 in the respective fixture last season but goalkeeper Manuel Neuer does not expect a similar collapse this time around.

"We are one step further forward than last year and are more compact in defence," he told the club's website.

"To be able to run out in front of 80,000 fans is really enjoyable and you look forward to this all year long.

"It is the game of the year."

Klopp must await news from his medical team before deciding on his starting XI, with Dede, Sven Bender and Jakub Blaszczykowski all struck down by a virus.

Magath, meanwhile, is almost spoilt for choice, with Vicente Sanchez, Kevin Kuranyi, Gerald Asamoah, Halil Altintop, Ivan Rakitic, Jefferson Farfan and Levan Kenia all contesting two or three places in attack.