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Will Dortmund Seal a Champions League Spot Against FC Augsburg?

By Joshua Sampson

DORTMUND, GERMANY - MAY 6: Trainer Thomas Tuchel of Dortmund gestures during the Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and TSG Hoffenheim at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany on May 6, 2017. (Photo by Ina Fassbender/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY - MAY 6: Trainer Thomas Tuchel of Dortmund gestures during the Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and TSG Hoffenheim at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany on May 6, 2017. (Photo by Ina Fassbender/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /
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On Saturday, Thomas Tuchel’s side will face the inferior Bavarian side, FC Augsburg, in a potential Champions League spot-sealing match. In their last ten games, Augsburg has been far from impressive. By spotting a 2-3-5 record (including a 6-0 to Bayern Munich) in those last ten, Augsburg are a team that Dortmund should beat.

Despite not sporting the best record as of late, Augsburg still has a lot on the line. Currently, Augsburg sits only two points clear of a sixteenth place Hamburg, who represent the playoff relegation spot. Therefore, there will be no lack of motivation for the side to earn points at home this weekend.

Dortmund also will have motivation this weekend. With a win against Augsburg, and Hoffenheim loss, Dortmund will clinch a spot in the UEFA Champions League group stage for next season. And, as a kicker, centre-back Marc Barta is fit to play for the first time since the horrific bombing incident.

With Bartra back, Dortmund should have all the momentum heading into the match. While you watch the game, hopefully, here are three things to look for in tomorrow’s match.

This picture taken on May 10, 2017 in Dortmund, western Germany, shows Marc Bartra as he controls the ball during a training session.Marc Bartra says he has a renewed passion for football as he prepares to play again after fracturing his wrist in the bomb attack on the Borussia Dortmund team bus. / AFP PHOTO / dpa / Guido Kirchner / NO Getty Images (GETTY-VD) – Germany OUT / RESTRICTIONS: DURING MATCH TIME: DFL RULES TO LIMIT THE ONLINE USAGE TO 15 PICTURES PER MATCH AND FORBID IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == FOR FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT DFL DIRECTLY AT 49 69 650050/ (Photo credit should read GUIDO KIRCHNER/AFP/Getty Images)
This picture taken on May 10, 2017 in Dortmund, western Germany, shows Marc Bartra as he controls the ball during a training session.Marc Bartra says he has a renewed passion for football as he prepares to play again after fracturing his wrist in the bomb attack on the Borussia Dortmund team bus. / AFP PHOTO / dpa / Guido Kirchner / NO Getty Images (GETTY-VD) – Germany OUT / RESTRICTIONS: DURING MATCH TIME: DFL RULES TO LIMIT THE ONLINE USAGE TO 15 PICTURES PER MATCH AND FORBID IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == FOR FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT DFL DIRECTLY AT 49 69 650050/ (Photo credit should read GUIDO KIRCHNER/AFP/Getty Images) /

1. Does Bartra Play?

If Bartra can play, this would be a huge boost in morale for Dortmund. Plus, for Bartra himself, nothing would suit him better than to have a chance to return to normality. Bartra most likely won’t start, but let’s hope he gets an opportunity to play on Saturday.

Dortmund’s head coach Thomas Tuchel reacts during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on May 6, 2017 in Dortmund, western Germany. / AFP PHOTO / SASCHA SCHUERMANN / RESTRICTIONS: DURING MATCH TIME: DFL RULES TO LIMIT THE ONLINE USAGE TO 15 PICTURES PER MATCH AND FORBID IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == FOR FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT DFL DIRECTLY AT 49 69 650050(Photo credit should read SASCHA SCHUERMANN/AFP/Getty Images)
Dortmund’s head coach Thomas Tuchel reacts during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on May 6, 2017 in Dortmund, western Germany. / AFP PHOTO / SASCHA SCHUERMANN / RESTRICTIONS: DURING MATCH TIME: DFL RULES TO LIMIT THE ONLINE USAGE TO 15 PICTURES PER MATCH AND FORBID IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == FOR FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT DFL DIRECTLY AT 49 69 650050(Photo credit should read SASCHA SCHUERMANN/AFP/Getty Images) /

2. Thomas Tuchel

After reports of players having a falling out with Tuchel, which he denied, it will be interesting to see how the team gels.

With his future with the club up in the air, Tuchel’s body language and demeanor will be something to keep an eye on as the game goes on.

3. Youngsters

With a weaker opponent this weekend, Tuchel may decide to roll out a younger side. Even with a lot at stake, Tuchel has shown trust in a lot of his young players. It isn’t likely that it will happen this match but never underestimate a youthful injection by Tuchel.

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