Der Klassiker
FC Bayern München V BVB 09 Dortmund
Bundesliga: Matchday 28
Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
Saturday, March 31st,  2018        12:30PM EST        FOX

There might be 18 points separating these two clubs, with the battle for the 2018 Bundesliga title already over, but this is still Der Klassiker!  This is still German football’s biggest rivalry and Saturday’s installment of the German Clasico will commence from the illuminating Allianz Arena in Bavaria.  Despite the gulf of points separating Bayern Munich from Borussia Dortmund, the Yellow and Blacks should come into this fixture feeling confident as they’ve faired well in recent time at the Allianz, winning the DFL-Supercup in Bayern’s own backyard.  Couple that with FC Hollywood’s poor form last match, as they limped into the international break by losing 2-1 to Leipzig, and you have yourselves the making of a match filled with fireworks and even a possible upset.  Key figures to watch are two forwards that have been in fine fettled form: none other than Bayern’s Robert Lewnaowski and BVB’s Michy Batshuayi.  Lewnadowski is pace to be named Kicker Torjagerkanone for the second time in three seasons.  Meanwhile, Antonio Conte outcast, Michy Batshuayi has blossomed since going out on loan to Dortmund this past January.  The 24 year old has scored six goals in seven Bundesliga appearances. 

LSB Prediction:  I expect BVB to press high up the pitch throughout, as they’ll try to gegenpress  Bayern into costly mistakes.  However, the Bavarians haven’t won five, soon to be six, straight Bundesliga titles without playing sound and succinct football.  Thus, the Stars of the South will deal with the pressure calmly at the back and push the ball forward producing a bevy of chances for the world’s best striker in Lewandowski.  The Pole will strike for two and assist Muller for the team’s third.  3-1 FC Bayern Munchen

Paris Saint-Germain V AS Monaco FC
Coupe de la Ligue: Final
Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
Saturday, March 31st, 2018        3:05PM EST        

Almost immediately following Der Klassiker, the Coupe de la Ligue Final will kickoff.  Once again  it’s PSG against Monaco.  Last year, Paris pummeled the Rouges et Blancs 4-1, and that was with Kylian Mbappe suited up for Monaco.  Now this year, UEFA’s 2017 Golden Boy and FIFPRO World XI third team selection, Mbappe will be playing for Les Pariseans.  Thus, Monaco will certainly have its hands full as they look to avenge last year’s beatdown.  For PSG there’ll be no Neymar Jr, but Cavani, Draxler, and Di Maria will all still feature.  As for Monaco, they’ll be putting their faith in team captain and leading striker Radamel Falcao to put balls in the back of Areola’s net, something that Real Madrid had no difficulty doing recently.  Also, keep an eye on former Barcelona academy player Keita Balde, as his pace down the flanks could provide problems for PSG’s backline.

LSB Prediction:  In all honesty, it would be a shocker if Paris were to lose this one.  In recent memory, the Parisians tend to play their best football when domestic titles are on the line.  PSG has won the last four Coupes de la Ligue, as well as the last three Coupes de France.  Thus, I foresee an electric attack from Paris SG, led by Mbappe.  Kylian will produce a fine wined performance in Bordeaux, scoring the opener and playing table setter for Cavani and Di Maria en route to PSG’s sixth straight Coupe de la Ligue title.  3-0 Paris Saint-Germain FC