Borussia Dortmund are back in Bundesliga action as they travel to Berlin on Saturday. It’s been a rough week-long stretch for Die Schwarzgelben. First, squandering a two goal lead to Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga last week, followed by a grueling mid-week Champions League defeat in Norway at the hands of Bodø/Glimt. Needless to say, BVB will look to get back on track, sitting in second place in the league due to goal differential with Freiburg.
Union Berlin on the other hand have had a torrid start
to the season, sitting at 16th in the league. They’ve allowed the second most goals (17) in the league so far this campaign. They did however pick up three points last week after their first win in this year’s Bundesliga campaign, with a 1-0 victory over Elversberg. Momentum for Union Berlin, perhaps?
Borussia Dortmund will look to put an end to any glimmer of that. And in the process potentially match a club record 16 points out of a possible 18 after six games (most recently during the 2017/2018 season).
Player to Watch: Julian Ryerson
The Norwegian missed last week’s clash against Werder Bremen due to a rib injury sustained over international break. He came on in the 60th minute for BVB’s champion’s league clash – in Ryerson’s home country.
Now he’ll be closer to full strength, with something to prove against his former side, where he played for over four years. He provides that much needed box-to-box edge from the wing that could impact the game on multiple levels.
Plus Nico Schlotterbeck was rested for the midweek European fixture. With him returning, that should solidify the backline more given Ryerson license to make his marauding runs. Niko Kovač’s side can’t afford another slow start. Ryerson provides that burst of energy from the get-go to feed Serhou Guirassy, early and often.
Predicted Lineup
Score Prediction
Union Berlin will be the scrappy homeside and keep this tight for a majority of the match. But I expect Dortmund’s attacking quality to shine through, especially Guirassy. The striker has has an impressive track record against the capital club, with eight goals in eight appearances.
Dortmund 3-1 Union Berlin.
Your Thoughts?
What are your predictions for Saturday’s Bundesliga clash? Will Dortmund right the ship and get back to their winning ways? Let us know in the comments below!
