Dortmund vs Elversberg – News and Probable Lineups

Borussia Dortmund will look to keep their momentum at the top of the Bundesliga when they host Elversberg at Signal Iduna Park this Saturday.

The Black and Yellow sit in second place with 18 points, just behind Bayern Munich on goal difference, while newly-promoted Elversberg currently occupies seventh position with 13 points.

Match overview

Dortmund earned a commendable draw against Bayern at the Allianz Arena on October 31, finishing 2-2 after an 89th-minute equalizer from Fabio Silva in what was their toughest league match of the season.

Head coach Niko Kovac is likely satisfied with the outcome but might feel a bit of frustration as his team has drawn three of their last four Bundesliga encounters.

Finishing second for the ninth time in 15 seasons would be unsatisfactory, yet BVB supporters should stay optimistic as their squad holds the finest defensive record in the league this season, conceding only six goals.

The hosts demonstrated their defensive strength with a 2-1 victory over Real Betis in the Champions League on Wednesday, with second-half goals from Silva and Konstantinos Karetsas sealing the win.

That result marked Dortmund’s sixth victory at Signal Iduna Park in their past seven matches at home, during which they haven’t tasted defeat.

Elversberg got back to winning form on October 30, defeating Mainz 05 4-1, where they found themselves 3-0 ahead at halftime and scored their fourth goal before allowing a consolation strike in injury time.

The progress Elversberg has made in the Bundesliga should not be overlooked, especially considering that 30 points were sufficient for survival in the previous season, and the club is on track to achieve 55 points.

Manager Vincent Wagner might acknowledge two wins in his last three league matches, but there remains concern over the fact that his team has lost four and drawn one out of their last seven contests across all competitions.

The Schwarz und Weiss will aim to avoid a third consecutive away defeat, having managed only one victory in their four Bundesliga away outings.

Elversberg scored eight times in those four away matches, with all their league away goals coming in a 4-3 victory against Borussia Monchengladbach in the opening week.

Team News

Dortmund’s injury concerns are beginning to ease, with only Emre Can (knee), Justin Lerma (muscle) and Giannis Konstantelias (knee) confirmed to be sidelined, while the duo of Can and Lerma are expected to return later this month.

Kovac will likely opt for a three-man defense comprising Joane Gadou, Waldemar Anton, and Nico Schlotterbeck, with this trio positioned behind Jobe Bellingham and Felix Nmecha.

Striker Serhou Guirassy is a minor doubt, but even if he is fit, it might be wise to avoid any risks regarding his fitness by starting Silva up top.

On the other hand, Elversberg may have to adjust their backline due to the absence of defenders Jan Gyamerah (hamstring) and Luis Seifert (ankle), which could lead to the inclusion of Luca Sirch, Lukas Pinckert, Maximilian Rohr, and Lesse Gunther in defense.

Centre-forward David Mokwa provided an assist against Mainz and will be eager to score himself this Saturday.

Borussia Dortmund probable starting XI:

Kobel; Gadou, Anton, Schlotterbeck; Ryerson, Bellingham, Nmecha, Svensson; Beier, Chukwuemeka; Silva

Elversberg probable starting XI:

Christopher; Sirch, Pinckert, Rohr, Gunther; Keidel, Poreba; Petkov, Onyeka, Krattenmacher; Mokwa

Elversberg will undoubtedly prove to be a tough opponent following their strong showing last time out.

Nevertheless, their away form leaves much to be desired, while BVB have been formidable at home, suggesting that Dortmund may be able to put pressure on Bayern.