Dortmund vs Frankfurt – News and Probable Lineups

A victory for Borussia Dortmund this Saturday against Eintracht Frankfurt at Signal Iduna Park would allow them to maintain their pursuit of Bayern Munich in the race for the Bundesliga title.

Although Dortmund is currently tied with Bayern at the top with 14 points, the hosts sit in second place due to an inferior goal difference. In contrast, Frankfurt is positioned 11th, having managed only eight points from a potential 18.

Match overview

Dortmund is one of only two teams in the league that remain unbeaten, but back-to-back draws in their last league matches have allowed Bayern to reduce the points gap.

The Black and Yellow’s latest league match resulted in a goalless draw against Union Berlin on October 17, a result they cannot argue with given their performance, which saw them register only two shots on target including none in the first half.

Manager Niko Kovac guided the team to a 2-1 win over Sabah FC in the Champions League on Tuesday, putting an end to a run of three matches without a win (D2, L1).

In recent outings, the hosts have kept only one clean sheet out of their last four matches but had previously denied their opponents from scoring in four of their last six encounters.

The only defeat Dortmund has suffered at home this season was to Bayern Munich in the Supercup on August 22, although they subsequently achieved three victories and one draw.

During those four games at Signal Iduna Park, they scored ten goals while conceding four.

Frankfurt is only three points ahead of SC Paderborn in 16th place, currently occupying the relegation playoff spot. However, they are also just two points shy of fifth-placed Mainz.

In their latest fixture, the visitors secured a 1-0 victory against FC Koln on October 16, and it is important to note that they have claimed two wins from their last four matches, losing just once during that stretch.

Head coach Adi Hutter is likely to be concerned that his squad has conceded 16 goals in the Bundesliga already, particularly since they suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat to RB Leipzig on October 10.

The Leipzig match was their last away game, and it marked their first loss in four away encounters this season, during which they managed to claim two victories.

Frankfurt’s track record against Dortmund has been disappointing, with the Eagles having lost two and drawn one of their last three meetings with the hosts.

Team News

Borussia Dortmund continues to be without defender Emre Can, though there is optimism surrounding his potential return in November following a nine-month absence.

The team will be able to count on central defender Nico Schlotterbeck, who is expected to lead a defensive lineup that includes Joane Gadou and Waldemar Anton.

Serhou Guirassy is guaranteed a spot as the striker, while Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri may be utilized in one of two support roles alongside Maximilian Beier.

Frankfurt’s only likely first-team absentee is midfielder Oscar Hojlund, and if he is unable to play, the most probable pairing in midfield will feature Noel Aseko and Raphael Onyedika.

Centre-forward Jonathan Burkardt is set to start alongside Younes Ebnoutalib, but the forwards will require support from wide players Ritsu Doan and Fares Chaibi.

Borussia Dortmund probable starting XI:

Kobel; Gadou, Anton, Schlotterbeck; Ryerson, Bellingham, Nmecha, Svensson; Nwaneri, Beier; Guirassy

Eintracht Frankfurt probable starting XI:

Atubolu; Collins, Koch, Brassier, Kosugi; Doan, Aseko, Onyedika, Chaibi; Burkardt, Ebnoutalib

Dortmund has appeared more vulnerable in recent games, making it reasonable for Frankfurt to believe they can create scoring opportunities.

Nevertheless, the Eagles have shown vulnerabilities of their own, and given their recent performances against BVB, the hosts will still be anticipating a victory and aiming for all three points.