Borussia Dortmund will look to get back to winning ways in the Bundesliga as they host FC Cologne in their Bundesliga clash on Sunday. Both of the sides haven’t managed to kick-off their European campaign in a positive way, with Dortmund facing a demoralizing defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League while Koln were picked apart by a sharp attacking Arsenal side on Thursday night in the Europa League.
The home side are currently topping the league table with seven points in opening three matches, also with a far more superior goal difference. The Black and Yellows are also yet to concede a goal in the Bundesliga thus far. Koln on the other, have endured a horrible start to their league campaign this summer, and quite astonishingly, they are the only side yet to register a point so far.
Here’s the predicted Borussia Dortmund lineup to appear against the Billygoats, who will be seeking a desperate point at the Signal Iduna Park.
Goalkeeper: Roman Burki had one of his most miserable games against Tottenham. Conceding two goals at his near post, the Swiss goalkeeper was hailed as the main culprit behind Dortmund’s defensive mishap against the English giants. However, he is the only goalkeeper to have managed three consecutive clean sheets in the Bundesliga this season.
Right Back: Lukasz Piszczek also had a horrible evening in the Champions League. The veteran Polish defender was rather slow and rusty in defence. He will be hoping for a much better outing against Peter Stoger’s men.
Center Back(R): Sokratis will lead his side’s defensive organization as he has done in the past 12 months or so. His presence will be important as Peter Bosz’s men look for their fourth consecutive clean sheet in the league.
Center Back(L): Marc Bartra, who suffered an injury last week, is expected to be unavailable for the clash. Therefore, new signing Omer Toprak will deputize the former Barcelona centre back. One of the few players who need to step up their game, if he hopes to retain his place on the side.
Left Back: Dortmund face an injury crisis on the left side of the defence. Captain Marcel Schmelzer has been ruled out for six weeks, after another injury against Freiburg last week while both Erik Durm and Raphael Guerreiro are also out injured. Jeremy Toljan might be rewarded with his first Bundesliga match for his new team, following a valiant effort against Spurs in midweek.
Central Defensive Midfielder(R): There might be a change of formation for Dortmund, as Julian Weigl is finally match-fit and could appear against the Billygoats as the holding midfielder. No doubt, Dortmund fans will be pleased to see the talented 21-year-old returning to the pitch once again!
Central Defensive Midfielder(L): Nuri Sahin has been one of the best players in the Bundesliga this season. The Turkish International will partner alongside Julian Weigl. The partnership would be something really special as both of the players are highly skilled with or without the ball so they could emerge as the catalyst of Dortmund’s build up play.
Right Wing: Christian Pulisic was unstoppable against Spurs in midweek but the American International will likely be rested, with the Englische woche in mind. New signing Andriy Yarmolenko will start from the right-hand channel. The Ukrainian scored a wonderful goal against Tottenham on Tuesday.
Central Attacking Midfielder: Mario Gotze is definitely a first choice starter in the attacking midfield spot. The German International featured as a sub in midweek but couldn’t do much to make an impact. But don’t be surprised to see Gotze starting this weekend as the CAM. Mahmoud Dahoud could also be an option in case Gotze is left on the bench for this game.
Left Wing: Maximilian Philipp has been a regular for Dortmund in the Bundesliga so far. Despite not featuring in the Champions League, the former Freiburg man is highly expected to start against Koln on Sunday. He will be desperate to score his first goal in Dortmund colours.
Striker: Pierre Emerick Aubameyang will lead the Dortmund line on Sunday. The Gabonese has had a rather slow start to the campaign with only two goals in three matches. He will be looking to extend his tally against a so far, weak looking Koln defence.
This is how they might line up:
