DFB Pokal matchups

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will lock horns in the German Cup final on Saturday in a repeat of 2012's showdown. That match ended 5-2 in favor of Jurgen Klopp's side, and Bayern were left trailing in the wake of a Ruhrpott club who also claimed the league title that same season.

Two years on and the crown is back in Munich. Nevertheless, when Dortmund's injury list is reduced they are close competition for Pep Guardiola's team. There will be a number of interesting match-ups, but here are three to keep an eye on:

Robert Lewandowski vs. Dante/Jerome Boateng:

It's Lewandowski's final swansong before moving to Munich in the summer on a free transfer. His hunger and self-determination hasn't been compromised by the pre-agreed departure that will not cost Bayern a single penny. The 25-year-old took the Bundesliga top scorer award with 20 goals this campaign and has led the line with the same class that took Dortmund to the Champions League final last season, one that is considered his best yet.

Lewandowski has, generally speaking, has given Dante – and latterly Jerome Boateng – a torrid time in matches between the two sides. He's only scored five goals in 13 games against Bayern – a hat-trick coming in the 2012 German Cup final – but that statistic doesn't paint the full picture. Lewandowski is more than just a goalscorer - and that's the reason, primarily, the Bavarians have signed him over any other frontman in Europe.

While Bayern look to control possession of the ball, Lewandowski remains a useful out-ball for Dortmund. He has playmaker qualities, unique to his game as a forward. He can hold the ball in crucial transition situations and still continue to contribute inside the penalty box.

Bayern's extraordinarily high defensive line could go either way. It could tumble into a complete disaster and allow Dortmund the room to break on the counter, or it could squeeze pressure on the aforementioned situations, thus closing the door on Lewandowski.

But, so far, the upper-hand lies with the Polish international. Dortmund have gone on to win seven of the 13 games against Bayern in which Lewandowski has participated.

Marcel Schmelzer vs. Arjen Robben

Many will struggle to find a more consistent performer in the Bayern Munich team this season than Arjen Robben. Bettering previous form at the club, the 30-year-old is almost progressing with age. He has shown more maturity in his performances, positioned himself better, adjusted to Guardiola's demands and has become Bayern's regular match-winner. Robben has certainly grown up from the spotty teenager at PSV Eindhoven he once was.

Even when not directly involved in goals as often in the second half of the season, Robben has still been crucial. Normally a right-sided player, Guardiola has experimented with the Dutchman in a central role on occasion, which has forced him to be more assured in possession.

The defensive weaknesses of Marcel Schmelzer have been documented in the past. It's held him back in securing his World Cup place, and it will be where the left-back needs to tighten up for the German Cup final. He must also be wary of Robben cutting in from the flank, something the Dutchman is famed for. Schmelzer must force him to cross more.

With Franck Ribery potentially missing out, the need for Robben to be as dynamic and self-confident on the attack is heightened. He'll be one of the few in Bayern's ranks who will be able to force the Dortmund defense to turn and face their own goal.

Marco Reus/Dortmund's counterattack vs. Javi Martinez

Bayern's form since winning the championship has evidently not been a concern for Guardiola. But a number of the team's deficiencies and a few areas of Guardiola's strategy – particularly from a defensive perspective – were unearthed and duly punished.

Borussia Dortmund are maybe best placed to take advantage of those frailties for a third time this season following the DFL Super Cup win in July and the impressive 3-0 win in Munich last month. Both instances saw Dortmund maximize their pressing strategy, upset Bayern's normal possession game and counterattack ruthlessly. Real Madrid enjoyed similar success against Bayern, slicing Bayern's defense open with conviction to dispatch them in the Champions League semi-finals.

Bastian Schweinsteiger's absence will likely mean the repositioning of Philipp Lahm into midfield – but it should also see room for Javi Martinez. The Spaniard has been in-and-out of defense this season, but his shielding of Boateng and Dante was noticeable by its absence in the Champions League clash against Real Madrid.

The form of Marco Reus since his return from injury will be a major weapon for Dortmund on the counterattack, as well as in speedy transitions between defense and attack. He's currently in sensational form having scored seven goals and assisted five in a six-match spell before last week's final league game against Hertha Berlin.

Reus has been deployed in a central role in recent months following a reshuffle by Klopp, with Mkhitaryan moving to a wide position as a result. Reus' profligacy in front of goal is one of the main factors in Klopp's decision. The talented attacker's form has never been so good – and that is a serious worry for Bayern Munich.