Borussia Dortmund face the ultimate test of their Bundesliga title credentials tomorrow when Bayern Munich come up against them at the Allianz Arena in a treacherous Der Klassiker.
The BVB have already lost once against their eternal rivals, going down 2-1 in the 2026 Franz Beckenbauer Supercup in August.
However, both teams have since played out an identical campaign in the league as they were currently tied on 17 points each in seven games.
Head coach Niko Kovac has some big decisions to make if he's to claim his first spoils in the fixture as the Dortmund manager. These three players could help him in the endavor though:
1) Jobe Bellingham
We're witnessing a resurgence of Jobe Bellingham right now, with the Englishman unlocking his inner Frank Lampard over the last few games. He's also registered an assist in back-to-back games for the BVB, setting up Maximilian Beier for the winner against Eintracht Frankfurt before teeing up Carney Chukwuemeka against Werder Bremen.
The 21-year-old midfielder's spatial intelligence isn't talked about enough; he's adept at making passes even from the tighest of spaces that leads to a goalscoring chance, a trait that would be crucial to unlocking Bayern this weekend. His work-rate is also exemplary, tracking back in defensive moments and playing a vital role in ball-circulation.
2) Fabio Silva
Borussia Dortmund are naturally more free-flowing in attack when Fabio Silva starts alongside Serhou Guirassy. We've been witness to this multiple times this season.
The duo have almost a telepathic connection on the field as they find each other with remarkable ease, most recent example of which was Guirassy's through ball forward for Silva to connect from the left against Frankfurt, without even having to look up to find him!
Moreover, when one of the drops deep, the other stays high up, bamboozling opposition defenses. Together, they could twist and turn Bayern's defense inside out, thereby giving way to a few openings.
3) Joane Gadou
Ramy Bensebaini is available for the clash but Joane Gadou has done enough to warrant a place in the XI here over him. The Frenchman has been exceptional in defending transitions, tracking back just in time to nip counters in the bud while also cutting off supply lines aerially by exercising his aerial prowess.
Against the marauding Michael Olise, Gadou will have his hands full, while his paths are also set to cross with the recent Ballon d'Or winner Harry Kane. Suffice to say, he'd have his hands full on the night. His composure, pace and physical attributres will be vital in dealing with them.
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