Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund: 5 things to watch in Der Klassiker

As we shift our attention to club football after a fortnight-long hiatus, Bundesliga prepares for fireworks on matchday 28 as Bayern Munich host rivals Borussia Dortmund in the fourth Der Klassiker of the season.

Having claimed the bragging rights on all previous three occasions so far, Die Roten look to seal an unprecedented sixth Meisterschale on the trot and what better way to do that than in their own backyard and against their arch nemesis. But that's easier said than done.

With Borussia Dortmund thriving in a new lease of life since the turn of the year, this could be the most challenging yellow submarine brigade the hosts would've faced in a long time. On that note, here are the 5 things to look forward to:

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#5 High-flying Dortmund can leave Bayern's champagne on the ice

Borussia Dortmund appear to delay Bayern's celebrations

For arguably the first time since 2014, Die Borussen enter a German Clasico in high spirits and as their most challenging selves. The 11-match unbeaten run shows the confidence they're brimming with.

Even if it isn't overly intimidating given a couple of stalemates to low-key sides during the run, Dortmund have become a stringent side under Peter Stoger that are hard to beat. Whilst the defence has marginally beefed up, the attack has become their biggest strength, turning a game on its head in a split second, and the Yellow Submarine would once again be willing to take the game to their mighty hosts.

There's no stopping Bayern Munich from clinching the title as 17 points gap at the top has put them on the brink, but Dortmund can ensure the celebrations are delayed by at least another week in what promises to be an end-to-end contest.

#4 Trip to Sevilla in mid-week a potential distraction for Bayern

Jupp Heynckes has some important decisions to make ahead of a vital clash in Seville

Der Klassiker may hold sway for both sides irrespective of the competition and its significance, but Bayern Munich have some congested fixture list to deal in the coming weeks, starting with a daunting trip to Sevilla for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals come Tuesday. And that can be a potential distraction here.

Los Rojiblancos maybe the underdogs on paper, but the defeat of Manchester United in the previous round is a timely reminder of their capabilities. Bayern might be aware of the same and opt to field a slightly weakened line-up here that may hand Dortmund a leeway into the tie.

Either way, manager Jupp Heynckes has plenty of option to choose from given the fine fettle they enter the tie with, but the all-important clash against Sevilla does come with its own baggage and may ultimately have a say in the final outcome of the tie.

#3 Another record beckons Lewandowski

Lewandowski to add another feather to his cap

Robert Lewandowski, whether it's at Dortmund or Bayern, has been the man for big occasions, and Der Klassiker is one particular contest where he always shows up. The towering Pole has struck a handful of goals for both sides in the German Clasico and currently stands on the brink of upsetting a major record.

With 14 goals in total, Lewandowski is tied with the legendary Gerd Muller for the most prolific marksman in the history of the clash, and needs just one more strike to claim the honour outright.

The Bayern No.9 accrued 5 goals against his current employers in Dortmund colours, but ever since he's swapped sides, has been on the upswing, scoring another 9 times to pull level with the Der Bomber.

With changes likely on the cards, it's quite uncertain whether the 29-year old would start. But should he line-up against his former side, and also bag a goal, it would be another major milestone printed in the Polish striker's pristine copybook.

#2 James Rodriguez vs Christian Pulisic: The battle of the apprentices

Who'll win the midfield battle?

Whilst there would be key battles all over the pitch, this one, in particular, would go some distance in deciding which the way wind would blow.

The Colombian has breathed new life since moving to Bayern, assisting 7 times while striking another four of his own. But that's only the tip of the iceberg; for there's more to Rodriguez's game than just goals. With terrific close control and excellent vision, he can open up passing lanes and also instigate attacks with his enviable dribbling skills.

The 19-year Pulisic really has his task cut out while dealing with him, and would have to bring forth his A game in what has turned out be an underwhelming season. The American midfielder is no half-shabby though, for Pulisic last season, turned in the kind of metronomic performances that accentuate his prodigious talent.

And if he were to replicate even a scintilla of it here, we'll be sure to witness an interesting midfield match-up.

#1 Time for Batshuayi to cement his status with BVB

Batshuayi must step up when it really matters

Michy Batshuayi has hit the ground running since switching the blue of Chelsea for the yellow of Dortmund. A return of six goals in seven league appearances is impressive by all accounts, and his timely strikes are one of the primary reasons for Dortmund's upturn in form lately.

However, the match against Bayern Munich would be the first big challenge with his new side and Batshuayi's mettle would truly be put through the wringer.

The Belgian, for all his ferocity in front of goal, would really be measured by his performances in games like these; against opponents like Bayern, and one can safely assume the cameras would pan on him on more occasions than they have in the games leading up to this.

Dortmund need their target man more than ever here if they aim to come away with something from Munich, and if he scores, Michy Batshuayi will cement his status in the BVB cauldron.