Expected Borussia Dortmund starting XI for Augsburg clash: Who will replace Thorgan Hazard?
By Tom Rodgers
Centre Backs: Emre Can, Mats Hummels, Manuel Akanji
On the back of two straight clean sheets, Lucien Favre will likely stick with the same back three as the previous two games. Emre Can has become an influential figure in the three-chain defence for Dortmund. His aggression, his turn of pace and his ability to progress the ball forward makes him an important part of the team, as long as he can avoid sloppy errors.
Mats Hummels has been a key figure for BVB since his return from Bayern Munich and will slot in the middle of the back three. His ability on the ball allows him to ping accurate long passes to forward players, as we saw to great affect the last time Borussia Dortmund faced Augsburg.
Manuel Akanji will complete the back three in the absence of Dan Axel Zagadou. He offers great pace and good composure on the ball, albeit with questionable decision making at times.