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Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich: Three BVB players to watch

By Tyler Flynn

MUNICH, GERMANY - DECEMBER 20: Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Dortmund and Robert Lewandowski of Muenchen battle for the ball during the DFB Cup match between Bayern Muenchen and Borussia Dortmund at Allianz Arena on December 20, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - DECEMBER 20: Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Dortmund and Robert Lewandowski of Muenchen battle for the ball during the DFB Cup match between Bayern Muenchen and Borussia Dortmund at Allianz Arena on December 20, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images) /
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Borussia Dortmund face Bayern Munch in Der Klassiker this weekend. The black and yellows will be looking to beat the first-placed Bavarians to keep pace for a top four finish and Champions League football next season.

Borussia Dortmund have had their up and downs lately, but they can finally focus on the Bundesliga after crashing out of the Europa league not too long ago. The international break should have provided the squad with plenty of rest, and they should be ready to go up against arch rivals Bayern Munich this weekend. Borussia Dortmund will look to beat the Bavarians on Saturday, having lost to them twice already this year in league play and in the German Cup. A win could kick start a run of good form and allow the team to finish the season strong.

Here are three Borussia Dortmund players to watch in the Der Klassiker:

Michy Batshuayi

The Belgian international has had a fabulous start to his Borussia Dortmund career, with six goals in seven matches in the league. He has struggled lately, but did score in the team’s last win against Hannover 96. Batshuayi will be looking to capitalize on counter attacks and taking quick strikes, because it is likely that Bayern Munich will control possession most of the game. Bayern Munich has one of the best back fours in the world, and Batshuayi will be the focal point of attack. If the former Chelsea man can be effective, he will give the black and yellows a chance to beat the first-placed giants.

DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 11: Michy Batshuayi of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring the winning goal to the 3:2 during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Signal Iduna Park on March 11, 2018 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 11: Michy Batshuayi of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring the winning goal to the 3:2 during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Signal Iduna Park on March 11, 2018 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images) /

Christian Pulisic

With Marco Reus not likely to play on Saturday, look for Christian Pulisic to be effective with his attacking wing play. The American international is a craftsman with the ball at his feet, and he has created many chances for Borussia Dortmund this season. Pulisic, along with Andre Schurrle, will be looking to help support Batshuayi against a tough Bayern Munich defense.

DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 11: Christian Pulisic of Dortmund controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt at Signal Iduna Park on March 11, 2018 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 11: Christian Pulisic of Dortmund controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt at Signal Iduna Park on March 11, 2018 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images) /

His quick pace and dangerous passes into the box could give the Bavarians trouble if they are not careful. Pulisic caused Bayern a lot of problems in the reverse fixture with his tricks and flicks. And he will be looking to do exactly that this weekend. Pulisic is arguably the black and yellows’ best young player, and he will look to keep developing by facing a world class club this weekend.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos

REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Borussia Dortmund looks on during UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund at the Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on February 22, 2018 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Borussia Dortmund looks on during UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund at the Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on February 22, 2018 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) /

Even though Sokratis has had his ups and downs this season, he is still one of Borussia Dortmund’s top defenders. He seems world class at times, but he can be foolish at moments by giving the ball away easily and playing poor defense. Sokratis will have to command his back four this weekend to keep its shape, and not let a strong Bayern Munich attack break through.

Next: How Borussia Dortmund can triumph in Der Klassiker

The Greek defender is known for his toughness, and he will have to bring it this weekend. With Toprak out with injury, Sokratis will have to lead Dortmund’s defense with an inexperienced Manuel Akanji. If Sokratis is poor in Munich this weekend, it could be a long day for the black and yellows.

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