Borussia Dortmund will resume their 2019/20 Bundesliga campaign in the toughest way possible as they face off with their arch-rivals FC Schalke at the Westfalenstadion on Saturday. The Black and Yellows must secure a victory if they are to keep up with league leaders Bayern Munich while Schalke will look to secure all three points, which could help them gain some confidence following a tough run of form.
Here is how Borussia Dortmund might lineup against the Royal Blues this weekend.
Predicted Borussia Dortmund lineup vs Schalke
Formation: 3-4-3
Defence
Borussia Dortmund head coach Lucien Favre will be missing out on the services of key first-team regular Dan-Axel Zagadou for this fixture. The Frenchman’s absence could serve as a major blow as it will force the Swiss mastermind to rely on Manuel Akanji, on the left side of the three-man backline.
Akanji will be partnered by the ever-present defensive figures of Mats Hummels and Lukasz Piszczek. Their experience and composure could be critical in dealing with a sharp and pacy Schalke attack. Hummels, in particular, will be dealt with the responsibility of leading his side from the back this weekend.
Roman Burki is set to retain his place in between the sticks for Dortmund. The Swiss goalkeeper has been in disastrous form this campaign, having attained a save percentage rate of below 50%. He must improve if Die Schwarzgelben are to emerge as victors in this clash.
Midfield
Dortmund have confirmed that both their key midfielders in Axel Witsel and Emre Can are set to miss out the clash against Schalke. Their physical presence and composure could have been essential in such a high-end encounter.
On the positive side of things, however, Favre has been boosted by the return of Thomas Delaney. The Dane will most likely occupy the central midfield role alongside Julian Brandt, who will return to his midfield duties after being replaced by Can for the past few matches.
Meanwhile, Raphael Guerreiro and Achraf Hakimi are two guaranteed starters in the wing-backs slots. Their pace and creativity could be essential as the hosts look to expose the Schalke backline.
Attack
Club captain Marco Reus is still yet to return from his spell on the sidelines. That means Thorgan Hazard could continue at left-wing, with Jadon Sancho operating on the opposite flank. These two will look to provide support to central striker Erling Haaland, who must be desperate, having missed out on football for almost two months. He is the one to keep an eye on, in this fixture.
