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Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund: Three Key Battles

By Benjamin Scott

Dortmund, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 19: Thiago Alcantara of Bayern Muenchen and Julian Weigl of Borussia Dortmund looks onduring the Bandesliga soccer match between BV Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Muenchen at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany on November 19, 2016. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Dortmund, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 19: Thiago Alcantara of Bayern Muenchen and Julian Weigl of Borussia Dortmund looks onduring the Bandesliga soccer match between BV Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Muenchen at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany on November 19, 2016. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /
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Bayern Munich host German rivals Borussia Dortmund this weekend after losing 1-0 to them in the first half of the season. Who should you be watching in this mouthwatering match up?

Mats Hummels vs. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

In a particularly interesting battle, Mats Hummels squares up against his former teammate, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabon international scored the game winner the last time the two teams met.

The Gabonese striker currently leads the Bundesliga in goals for the season with 25–one goal more than Bayern Munich’s own Robert Lewandowski. Aubameyang has been setting the league ablaze with his lightning pace. He is the focal point of Borussia Dortmund’s potent attack force.

Similarly, Mats Hummels has had no trouble settling into Munich after his move past summer. The German has been a defensive rock for the Bavarians. Hummels must be at his absolute best on Saturday, as Aubameyang will be ready to pounce if the German international makes any mistakes.

Thiago vs. Julian Weigl

Thiago has certainly been Bayern Munich’s best performer of the season. Moreover he seems to only get better with every game. Similarly, young Julian Weigl has upped his game exponentially this year. He has become an indispensable member of the Borussia Dortmund squad.

Much of the tactical battle of coaches Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel will be focused around these two players. If Thiago plays to the level he’s demonstrated he’s capable of, then it’s hard to imagine any scenario where Bayern Munich do not win the midfield. If Dortmund are to have a chance in this match, Weigl must drop back and be at his absolute best to shut down Thiago’s creativity.

However, Weigl has proven often this season that he is a more than capable defensive midfielder, and may be able to put a few kinks in the Bavarian machine.

Next: Bayern Munich Midfielder Eager To Face Real Madrid

Thomas Muller vs. Marc Bartra

Bayern Munich’s number 9, Robert Lewandowski, has provided the majority of the team’s goals for the season, sitting only a goal behind Aubameyang. The Dortmund defense will surely center much of its focus on shutting down the high-flying Polish striker.

With Robert Lewandowski leading the line, the recently in-form Thomas Muller will be poised to use his fantastic space finding skills to create some chances for Die Roten. That is unless Marc Bartra is able to continually find Muller and close down the space. Sokratis will be responsible for the greater part of marking Lewandowski, leaving the task of shutting down Thomas Muller to the Spaniard.

If Thomas Muller is in fact back in the starting XI on Saturday, then keep an eye on him. He’s recently found his goalscoring boots again and will undoubtedly be ready to prove his worth in such a big match up.