Borussia Dortmund are amongst one of four teams, still to have a 100% record so far this season. Peter Bosz’s men have started the season on a bright note, and they will look to continue their momentum when they visit Freiburg this weekend. The Black and Yellows currently lead the Bundesliga table, thanks to their superior goal difference over Bayern.
SC Freiburg on the other hand, have had a tough start to the season with no wins in their two games. After a dull opener vs Eintracht Frankfurt, the men from the Black Forest suffered a horrid 4:1 defeat at the hands of RB Leipzig last week. Christian Streichs’ men will look to regain confidence after their collapse at Leipzig.
Here’s the predicted Borussia Dortmund line up to appear against die Breisgau-Brasilianer.
Goalkeeper: Yet to concede a goal, Roman Burki has been one of the most untested goalkeepers in the league this season. Although he made a couple of very good saves vs Hertha, the Swiss International has been a spectator so far. However, he should not expect the same against this sharp attacking Freiburg side.
Right Back: Much has been discussed about Lukasz Piszczek’s ‘lost credentials’ as a top Bundesliga fullback. But the Polish International hit back at the critics with some great performances early on in the season.
Center Back(R): Sokratis‘ solidity at the back is one of the reason, why are yet to concede a goal this season. The Greek International has stood there like an impermeable wall. He will be an important defensive figure against the sharp Freiburg side.
Center Back(L): Marc Bartra has probably been the Bundesliga player of the August. His incredible performances have lit up their game, not just defensively but offensively as well. He will definitely look to keep up his good set of form vs Freiburg.
Left Back: It would be no less than a dilemma for Peter Bosz to choose between Dan-Axel Zagadou and Marcel Schmelzer. The latter has just returned from injury, and in yesterday’s press conference, the Dortmund coach confirmed that he’s fit to play against Freiburg. But we expect Bosz to give Zagadou the opportunity to further his brilliant form early in the season.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Nuri Sahin is the man of the moment right now. The Turkish midfielder, who scored a brilliant goal, whilst providing an assist for Aubameyang, also had his birthday a few days ago. It seems as if he’s finally getting back to his former self, which can be very devastating for Freiburg.
Central Midfielder(R): Mario Gotze is expected to start in central midfield. The German world cup winner has been very influential in his first two games, after returning from a metabolic disorder. He has worked very hard, in training and looks set to spill his magic on the field.
Central Midfielder(L): We might see a change as Mahmoud Dahoud could very well replace Gonzalo Castro in central midfield. The ex-Gladbach midfielder was taken off from Germany’s U21 squad through Dortmund’s request. Dahoud’s extra spell of training could only help the young midfielder getting back to his rhythm with his new teammates.
Right Wing: Christian Pulisic has already been an influential figure for Dortmund. The American wonder-kid has chipped in with a goal and an assist in just two games. He will be the focal point of the Dortmund attack, as they plan to unsettle the Freiburg defence.
Left Wing: It would be a homecoming for Maximilian Philipp, who joined Dortmund this summer, after initially impressing at Freiburg. He was Freiburg’s focal point, in the attack last season but Christian Streichs’ men will have to make sure, that they keep him in their grasp this weekend.
Striker: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has already hit the ground running with his magical scoring boots. Two goals in two games is enough to suggest his importance to the Dortmund squad. Freiburg might be one of his favourite bogey teams, so we can expect to see some goals from him tomorrow as well.
This is how they might line up:
