The time has come! Two of Germany’s biggest clubs in history will go head to head once again in the Bundesliga on Saturday night topspiel. Borussia Dortmund are on the back of a smashing 3:0 home win versus high-flying Hamburg while Bayern tasted a rare defeat at the hands of TSG Hoffenheim in midweek. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are handsomely on their way to clinch their fifth consecutive Bundesliga title while Borussia Dortmund can’t afford to stutter as they are sitting just on the edge of the fourth spot.
Thomas Tuchel’s men were the victors when these two last met in the reverse fixture of the hinrunde. Here’s the predicted Borussia Dortmund XI to feature against the record champions.
Goalkeeper: Roman Burki is having a great 2017 so far. The Swiss goalkeeper hardly missed a beat in trying to shut out opponents with his remarkable reflexes. He was a very key figure in Dortmund’s match over Hamburg a few days ago, where he saved his side’s blushes more than once.
Right Wingback: There might be a huge chance that Felix Passlack could start as the right wing back against Bayern. Preferred choice Erik Durm is currently out with an injury which paves the way for Passlack to get into the starting lineup. He was absolutely flawless in the DFL-Supercup match at the start of the season against Bayern.
Right Center Back: Lukasz Piszczek has hardly featured in his usual right back role this season. He’s being used as more of a right centre back where he uses his strength and experience to keep out the opposition.
Centre Back: Sokratis will undoubtedly be a key man in defence for Dortmund. The Greek international showcased his credibility as a defender time and time again this season. His form will be crucial as the visitors will look to contain the mighty Bayern.
Left Center Back: Matthias Ginter once again looked very fragile in defence against Hamburg. He is expected to be dumped for Marc Bartra on the left side of the defence. The 25-year-old will be a key especially in Dortmund’s high line of press.
Left Wingback: Marcel Schmelzer’s injury would be a huge blow for Thomas Tuchel. Fortunately for him though, he has a very able replacement in Raphael Guerreiro. The new signing from Benfica, is in many ways, superior to Marcel Schmelzer and his performance might just be a crucial part of the game.
Central Defensive Midfielder: One of the most important positions on the field, Julian Weigl will be responsible for Dortmund’s methodical play in midfield. He will need to be strong against the likes of Arturo Vidal and Xabi Alonso.
Central Midfielder: It’s almost necessary that Weigl has a good partner in midfield in order to dominate the middle third of the pitch. That task will be given to Gonzalo Castro. The former Leverkusen midfielder has all the qualities to take the game away from the hands of the opposition on any given day.
Central Midfielder: Shinji Kagawa will be tasked with bringing creativity into the play for the visitors. The Japanese International is on fiery form at the moment and that might bring some substantial trouble for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
Central Attacking Midfielder: Ousmane Dembele was almost non-existent in the first half versus Hamburg. He became more influential when he drifted in to play more centrally. He should start from a similar role as he is set to face one of the biggest challenges in his career.
Striker: The stage is set! Two of the best strikers in the Bundesliga will go head to head on Saturday. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has the upper hand with 25 goals for the season. He will look to add more to his tally against a strong looking Bayern side.
