Following a winter hiatus, the German Bundesliga is finally back underway this weekend. German giants Borussia Dortmund will kickstart their 2018 campaign against VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday as the black and yellows look to forge better season following their disappointing Hinrunde campaign.
Prior to the start of the matchday 18, the Ruhr giants were level on points with Leipzig, Leverkusen and Gladbach, meaning a lapse in concentration could cost them dearly with Frankfurt and Hoffenheim also lurking close.
Peter Stoger’s side have responded well to the mid-season training camp in Marbella, Spain and will look to take that momentum with them this weekend.
Here’s the predicted 4-1-2-3 Dortmund lineup to feature against the Wolves on Sunday.
Defence
Borussia Dortmund will be hugely boosted by the return of veteran defender Lukasz Piszczek, who was sidelined for the most part of the Hinrunde campaign due to an injury. He will start from his usual right-back position while Marcel Schmelzer’s absence will pave way for Jeremy Toljan to start as the left back.
Sokratis and Omer Toprak are expected to pair up in central defence. Both the defenders have performed significantly well under the tutelage of Peter Stoger, thanks to the rather defensive-oriented approach from the former Koln boss. Toprak, in particular, definitely needs to improve his performances, following the recent rumours about Borussia Dortmund potentially roping in Basel’s defensive gem Manuel Akanji.
Roman Burki will be the man between the sticks for the Black and Yellows.
Midfield
Julian Weigl is a definite starter in the centre of the midfield. Following the appointment of Peter Stoger, the German International has looked considerably better compared to his barren spell under the previous coach Peter Bosz. He will be a vital cog in midfield for Borussia Dortmund.
Mario Gotze is also expected to return to action following his injury. The German world cup winner will partner Shinji Kagawa in a slightly advanced midfield position. Their creativity will be pivotal as Dortmund look to break down the disciplined defensive unit of VfL Wolfsburg.
Attack
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang will lead the attacking line for Borussia Dortmund this weekend. The Gabonese’s goal-scoring prowess will be imperative for Dortmund against a sturdy Wolfsburg side.
German superstar Marco Reus has returned to team training after sustaining an injury in May of last year. He is soon expected to return to action but will miss this weekend’s clash against Wolfsburg. American International Christian Pulisic and Andriy Yarmolenko will be deployed as wingers.
