Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich: Three key battles to watch

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Jude Bellingham (L) and Joshua Kimmich (R) battling for the ball

Joshua Kimmich and Jude Bellingham will lock horns in midfield when Borussia Dortmund host Bayern Munich. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) /

Joshua Kimmich vs Jude Bellingham

Just like any big game, the team winning the midfield battle will go on to win the game. Bayern has lately struggled in midfield, which has eventually made games end to end. The Bavarian club showed great improvement against Leverkusen, which unsurprisingly coincided with a better performance from Joshua Kimmich in the number six role.

The German midfielder was heavily criticised for his performance in the defeat against Augsburg. Kimmich bounced back strongly by delivering a complete performance against Leverkusen. He showed much more discipline on and off the ball in the number six role, giving Die Roten a solid base to dominate the game and pin the team down in their half.

Kimmich missed the game against Plzen after testing positive for coronavirus last weekend. The German midfielder is expected to be fit for the game against Dortmund. Kimmich will come up against one of the most exciting midfield talents in the Bundesliga.

Jude Bellingham has been in fine form for Dortmund this season. The teenager can contribute in the middle and final third of the pitch with great effect. The England international also carries a goal threat, with the recent goal coming against Sevilla in the Champions League on Wednesday. Kimmich will have to make things difficult for Bellingham on Saturday to help Bayern get all three points. The German midfielder will have to ensure limited time and space for Bellingham in the center of the park.