After an awful campaign so far this season, Borussia Dortmund will look to end their Hinrunde 2017 on a positive note, as they host TSG Hoffenheim this weekend.
The black and yellows recently ended their huge slump in the Bundesliga, after clinching a victory against Mainz in midweek, in what was their first league win since September. Hoffenheim coach, Julian Nagelsmann, was famously present in that game.
Considering the fact that Borussia Dortmund just appointed Peter Stoger till the end of this season whilst being heavily linked with a move for Nagelsmann next season, this could turn out to be the battle of the BVB coaches this weekend. However, Nagelsmann has denied rumours linking him to a move to Dortmund next summer and the young coach will be focused on beating the Ruhr giants on Saturday night’s primetime fixture.
Here’s the predicted Borussia Dortmund lineup to face Hoffenheim this weekend.
Defence
Roman Burki is set to remain in goal. The Swiss goalkeeper kept his first clean sheet since matchday five in the Bundesliga this season and will be focused on extending his tally against Hoffenheim.
In the backline, Sokratis Papastathopoulos has looked significantly better under Peter Stoger. He will lead the backline along with Omer Toprak in the centre of the defence. The new signing from Leverkusen had a relatively decent night against Mainz in midweek.
Marcel Schmelzer was one of the best players in midweek and will start in his usual left back position with Jeremy Toljan also retaining his place in the starting lineup, starting as a right back.
Midfield
Julian Weigl is expected to be given the nod ahead of Nuri Sahin in defensive midfield. The young German International looked very good against Mainz. Largely being undermined by previous head coach Peter Bosz, the 21-year-old could be one of the most important factors behind Borussia Dortmund’s resurgence in the second half of the season.
Raphael Guerreiro and Shinji Kagawa will partner Julian Weigl in midfield. Although there’s a decent chance that Mahmoud Dahoud may also start, replacing Raphael Guerreiro in the process.
Attack
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will lead the charge for Borussia Dortmund this weekend. The Gabonese International is in good form at the moment and will be one of Dortmund’s key players against a sturdy Hoffenheim side.
Andriy Yarmolenko and Christian Pulisic will partner Aubameyang on the flanks.
