Borussia Dortmund resumes Bundesliga action post the international break hosting Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.
Edin Terzic’s side aims to recover from a challenging phase of form, whereas the visiting team remains stationed in mid-table.
Match Preview
Dortmund had a strong start, keeping up with Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich at the top initially.
However, they’ve had a tough time lately, managing just one point from the last three league games, trailing significantly behind Leverkusen in the title race.
The recent defeat to Stuttgart compounded their woes after being thrashed 4-0 at home by Bayern, ending their 17-game unbeaten league run.
Gladbach, after a disappointing 10th-place finish last season, has shown signs of improvement.
They’ve climbed to ninth, gathering momentum after a slow start that yielded just two points from five initial games.
A notable 4-0 win against Wolfsburg before the break showcased their recent improvement, even though they faltered in their last league match, conceding a late penalty to draw against Freiburg.
Team News
Dortmund might miss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel due to a muscular injury, possibly replacing him with Alexander Meyer.
Felix Nmecha is sidelined with a hip injury, and Mateu Morey and Julien Duranville are also unavailable. Emre Can could return from a thigh issue.
Gladbach faces injury woes, missing Jonas Omlin, Ko Itakura, and Tony Jantschke. Omlin’s absence since August keeps Moritz Nicolas in goal.
Hannes Wolf is also out, allowing Rocco Reitz to establish himself in the team, scoring in recent games.
Stefan Lainer’s return to training after overcoming cancer is a positive boost for Gladbach.
Possible Lineups
Borussia Dortmund possible starting lineup:(4-3-3)
Meyer;
Sule, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Ryerson;
Ozcan, Can, Reus;
Malen, Fullkrug, Brandt
Borussia Monchengladbach possible starting lineup:(3-5-2)
Nicolas;
Scally, Elvedi, Wober;
Honorat, Reitz, Weigl, Kone, Netz;
Cvancara, Plea
Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Borussia Monchengladbach
Dortmund’s historical advantage in recent meetings at home, winning the last 10, suggests they’re favored.
Given the recent goal-scoring prowess and the Foals’ lackluster performance, Dortmund is likely to secure the victory in a match that historically sees goals aplenty.
