This Wednesday, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund do battle for the second time within a month. The two clubs are set to fight it out in the semi-final of the DFB Pokal for a place in the final and the opportunity to claim some silverware.
But ahead of their meeting on Wednesday, it's time to weigh up just who would make the strongest XI if we combine both teams’ squads.
With Carlo Ancelotti chosen as the manager of the combined side, picking a starting XI was a lot harder than it seemed – once the defensive players were selected. Both teams have some incredible talent to choose from, but ultimately form and consistency ruled over potential and value in this instance.
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Also read: 5 reasons why Bayern Munich will defeat Borussia Dortmund
Without further ado, here's our combined Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund starting team.
GK: Manuel Neuer
Arguably the greatest goalkeeper of this generation, choosing Neuer was a no-brainer. On average, Neuer has made 1.8 saves per game in the Bundesliga and has conceded just 13 goals when in between the sticks for Bayern.
Roman Burki has been sensational since becoming Dortmund's first choice goalkeeper, but the youngster remains a considerable distance off Neuer at the moment. No goalkeeper in the world could topple the German on current form.
Defenders
RB: Philipp Lahm
Soon-to-retire German footballing legend Philipp Lahm will head into his final 'Der Klassiker' this Wednesday after an illustrious career that has seen him achieve unprecedented success over Bayern's rivals.
Even at the age of 32, Lahm continues to show his world-class ability which leaves many questioning his decision to retire. Lahm isn’t having his best season, nonetheless, the player still boasts a passing ratio of 90% over the course of the season. Staggeringly, Lahm has only made one defensive error all campaign that has led to an opposition attempt on goal.
CB: Jerome Boateng
Jerome Boateng has become the linchpin of this Bayern Munich side, catapulting himself into the top hierarchy of centre-backs in world football. The German international has been a fundamental factor in the Bavarian giant's success in recent years, and his physicality and athletic frame ensure forwards find it difficult to get past the former Manchester City defender.
Boateng remains arguably the strongest and most powerful centre-back in the Bundesliga and is deserving of his place on the team. Despite not having his strongest campaign due to injuries, his talent is visible. An 87% passing accuracy, nine clean sheets, and a 46% aerial duel win rate guarantee his place on the side.
CB: Mats Hummels
Former Borussia Dortmund defender, and captain, Mats Hummels made the controversial switch across Germany to follow Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski by joining Bayern Munich. The 29-year-old defender was the inspiration behind Dortmund's recent success, and it didn't come as a surprise when Europe's top clubs came calling for his signature.
Sokratis is a name worthy of being mentioned, however, at this moment in time, Hummels remains head and shoulders above everyone else in the league in terms of intelligence, leadership, and awareness. Hummels has won more duels than any other player in German football this campaign – 88%. In fact, Bayern have only conceded 13 goals when he's started.
LB: David Alaba
This isn't going to be a case of choosing eleven Bayern Munich players. However, it's very difficult to deny Ancelotti's back-five is arguably the most sought after in world football.
David Alaba is considered by many people as the world's best left-back. The Austrian defender is one of the few full-backs in the modern game capable of defending and attacking in equal measure.
Alaba is already the most successful Austrian footballer in the German League, and he's still only 24-years-old. Five Bundesliga titles, four domestic cups and two European trophies will take some overtaking in the future and he simply walks into this combined 11.
Midfielders
CM: Julian Weigl
The former 1860 Munich captain – the youngest in their history – is worthy of his place in this side for his passing range and ability to control the tempo of a match. Weigl possesses a 93% passing accuracy – with an average length of 18 metres – making him more than capable of playing on this side. Weigl has made eight key passes this season leading to goalscoring chances.
The youngster has been instrumental for Dortmund over the past two years, and has drawn the attention of many of Europe’s top clubs.
CM: Arturo Vidal
In a midfield three, the importance of a player like Arturo Vidal cannot be understated. The Chilean midfielder provides the required steel and grit needed to ensure the more creative footballers shine through.
Vidal has one of the best engines in the league and Renato Sanches has struggled to make an impact due to the Chilean’s performances this season. Gonzalo Castro, meanwhile, remains a considerable distance behind the former Juventus midfielder.
Vidal’s four-goal involvement this season has been crucial but his defensive abilities are what he is renowned for. On an average, Vidal makes 3 defensive challenges per match - more than any other player in the league.
CAM: Thiago Alcantara
Former Barcelona midfielder Thiago was signed by Pep Guardiola in 2013 when he fought off competition from Manchester United. Injuries halted his progress but this season has indeed witnessed the talent come to the forefront.
Also, this season, his partnership with Robert Lewandowski has been truly sensational. The Spaniard has created five goals this campaign for his team-mates while also notching up five Bundesliga goals in twenty-four games. Christian Pulisic is gaining much attention for his performances recently, but Spanish midfielder Thiago is the ultimate playmaker in German football this season and rightly deserves his place on this side.
Attackers
RW: Ousmane Dembele
Probably the toughest decision today was to pick between Arjen Robben, Kingsley Coman and Ousmane Dembele for the wide-right forward role.
France international Dembele has been a revelation since making his Rennes debut in November 2015. A summer move to Dortmund has not disappointed, and the player continues to improve on a weekly basis - often terrorising the Bundesliga defences with his mazy runs. 11 assists in his debut season along with 42 key passes make him a nightmare for opposition full-backs.
Dembele is well renowned for his dribbling ability, but once maturity creeps into his game, don't be surprised to see this player achieve Ballon d'Or status in years to come. With 6 goals to his name already this campaign, Dembele needs to contribute more as he blossoms into a world-class talent.
LW: Marco Reus
Unlike other superstars in the Borussia Dortmund side, Marco Reus opted to remain at the club despite reports linking him with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. 4 goals and 4 assists is well below Reus’ normal season average of 16 goal contributions, but having played only 13 games, his talent is evident. A 77% passing rate for a wide player is a staggering feat that not many can achieve.
Reus has been ravaged by injuries, however, the player is the best wideman in the Bundesliga over the past five years. Reus is so good he could play for almost any major side in world football - provided his injuries are contained.
ST: Robert Lewandowski
Since moving to Bayern in 2014, Lewandowski has become a ruthless force up front with his goalscoring record improving under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, previously.
This season, the Polish international leads the goalscoring charts in the Bundesliga - with 26 goals along with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Lewandowski edges the Gabon international due to his all round game and ability to be the difference maker in big games.
