These final weeks of the transfer market window will provide a massive headache for Borussia Dortmund, as they have reportedly accepted a bid from Barcelona for Ousmane Dembele, meaning they have less than a week to sign a proper replacement.
Transfer talks aside, the Black and Yellows will also have to focus on the weekend’s game, when they host Pal Dardai’s Hertha Berlin at the Signal Iduna Park. It will be this weekend’s primetime fixture or topspiel as it is called in Germany.
Dortmund had a comfortable victory last week against Wolfsburg while Berlin too started their campaign with a 2:0 win over promoted Stuttgart. Here’s the predicted 4-3-3 lineup from Peter Bosz’s side to appear against the Berliners.
Goalkeeper: Roman Burki had a very comfortable match against the Wolves, where he was hardly troubled. The Swiss goalkeeper won’t be expecting the same against the sharp attacking Hertha this week.
Right Back: Lukasz Piszczek was very good last week and will start from the right-hand side. The ex-Hertha player arrived at Dortmund six years ago, and this could be a stern test for the Polish International.
Centre Back(R): Sokratis will lead the side from the back. The Greek International was solid enough to keep out Mario Gomez and co. in last week’s encounter.
This time, however, the speed that Hertha have on the break could provide him with a challenge.
Centre Back(L): Marc Bartra was probably the best defender in the opening matchday last week. His stunning goal was combined with an equally amazing performance in the backline.
Omer Toprak’s chance of starting could be in trouble if Bartra continues his development at Dortmund.
Left Back: Good news came for Dortmund fans this week, as club captain Marcel Schmelzer has returned from injury and is expected to start against Berlin.
If he doesn’t make it to the starting eleven, we expect new signing Dan-Axel Zagadou to replace the German fullback.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Nuri Sahin has been making good use of the faith shown by Peter Bosz. The Turkish midfielder was very commanding against Wolfsburg, and we are finally starting to see his former self, following a series of injuries, which hindered his progress.
Central Midfielder: There could be a significant change in the lineup, as Mahmoud Dahoud is expected to replace Gonzalo Castro in central midfield.
The new signing showed his glimpses, after coming on as a sub in the second half as coach Peter Bosz looks to include him into the team in a steady manner.
Central Midfielder: Mario Gotze was simply outstanding against the Wolves on Saturday. He was starting to show his real qualities on the ball. Some clever movements, sharp passing, created a lot of problems for Wolfsburg and the fans will be hoping for more of the same from their ‘lost son’ in Mario Gotze.
Right Wing: Ousmane Dembele’s future at Dortmund has probably been decided. Either way, the Frenchman is still remain suspended by the club for childish behaviour.
Christian Pulisic has taken the role with aplomb, however, and many fans believe, that the American won’t let them miss Dembele at all.
Left Wing: New signing Maximilian Philipp was rather absent last week but showed his glimpses in the second half.
Regardless, the fact that he can play in any offensive position just proves how important he can be to Dortmund this season.
Striker: Pierre Emerick Aubameyang was amazing last week, scoring his first goal in the new campaign. Auba is now evolving to be more of an all-round striker under new boss Peter Bosz and it only bodes well for Dortmund and their fans, who want to see their Gabonese superstar, score goals for fun, again this season.
