Hoffenheim welcome Borussia Dortmund to PreZero Arena today for an exciting matchup in the Bundesliga between the second and the sixth-best teams of the competition.
With so many talented players in both camps, this could be a high-octane clash. Here's how the teams could stack-up in a combined XI:
Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel (Dortmund)
Gregor Kobel has been a reliable figure in goal for Dortmund with his fine reflex saves and exemplary distribution skills. He also leads Bundesliga's clean sheets chart right now with 13 to his name.
Right-back: Julian Ryerson (Dortmund)
The Norwegian has enjoyed a breakout year at Dortmund, assisting 15 times in all competitions including 12 in the Bundesliga, which is one of the highest figures ever by a right-back.
Centre-back: Ozan Kabak (Hoffenheim)
While Hoffenheim have conceded an alarming number of goals, Ozan Kabak has remained a stoic figure in their backline with his excellent reading of the game and anticipation.
Centre-back: Nico Schlotterbeck (Dortmund)
Dortmund, by contrast, have been a mean outfit defensively and Schlotterbeck is one of the biggest reasons why. Tall, athletic and fast, the German is the mortar to Dortmund's brick.
Left-back: Maximilian Beier (Dortmund)
If Ryerson is the battering ram on Dortmund's right flank, Beier is the same on the left. His buccaneering runs have been vital to stretching defenses out while scoring and assisting 15 times.
Central midfielder: Jobe Bellingham (Dortmund)
He isn't as often the talisman as his brother was at Dortmund, but this Bellingham is fast gaining attention from bigger quarters of Europe too with his deep-lying passes and playmaking abilities.
Right midfielder: Grischa Promel (Hoffenheim)
Blessed with electric speed and an eye for goal, Promel has been a revelation for Hoffenheim this season, even chipping in with crucial goals from time to time.
Attacking midfielder: Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim)
The Croatian loves playing against Dortmund, having struck nine times against them in his career, among his highest against a single opponent. In the Bundesliga this season, Kramaric has 10 goals.
Left midfielder: Wouter Burger (Hoffenheim)
Joining from Stoke City last season, Burger has repaid Hoffenheim's faith with a promising first season that has yielded four goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga.
Forward: Serhou Guirassy (Dortmund)
Guirassy hasn't met the lofty standards of his debut campaign with Dortmund, struggling with inconsistencies, but has been still been their saviour on numerous occasions with vital goals.
Forward: Fisnik Asllani (Hoffenheim)
Hoffenheim's most potent player with a contribution of 17 goals in the Bundesliga this season (scored nine and assisted eight), he will be the single biggest threat coming from the hosts.
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