Borussia Dortmund and everyone’s favorite center-back, Nico Schlotterbeck, are back in action tomorrow against FSV Mainz. Nico Kovac’s men are currently in-form, are one of two Bundesliga teams to be unbeaten
after the first four games, and are looking healthier by the day. New Signing Fabio Silva headlines the potential personnel changes entering match with the Portuguese striker likely starting on the bench. Niklas Sule will also be returning, and we can expect to see him on the bench.
Mainz currently find themselves in 13th place after a rocky start to the season. Bo Henriksen’s side found themselves with only one point from the first three games before thrashing FC Augsburg in a 4-1 drubbing. The loss of Jonathan Burkardt to Eintracht Frankfurt in the offseason leaves Mainz struggling to find goals and they have the third-fewest goals in the league thus far. Despite their Karnevalverein (carnival club) nickname, Mainz are anything but entertaining.
Mainz’s struggles do not make this match any easier for Dortmund, however. Borussia Dortmund are entering an October stretch with two must-win Champions League games, RB Leipzig, Der Klassiker, and an enticing DFB Pokal match against Frankfurt. Life is about to get much harder for Nico Kovac, and his team need to pick up three points against Mainz to carry momentum into an important stretch.
Player to Watch: Nadiem Amiri
Nadiem Amiri has flown under the radar as one of the Bundesliga’s best midfielders. Amiri has one goal thus far this season, but his underlying numbers paint a different picture. Over the last year, Amiri is in the top 10% of midfielders in terms of progressive passes, shot-creating actions, expected assists, and shots. Amiri cemented himself as Mainz’s maestro and will be looking to make his mark against Borussia Dortmund
Expected Lineup:
As mentioned, Borussia Dortmund are entering a stretch of games where the intensity is going to be ramped up very quickly. Accordingly, I expect Kovac to make some changes. The defense will likely feature Waldemar Anton, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Rami Bensebaini but we should expect to see Niklas Sule make his return. In midfield, I expect the changes. Ryerson’s poor showing last week opens the door for Couto to make his return while the midweek talk around Jobe Bellingham might see the Englishman given the opportunity. I expect Julian Brandt to feed Karim Adeyemi and Serhou Guirassy chances.
Your Thoughts!
What are your score predictions? Should we expect another 4-4 thriller? Will Adeyemi or Guirassy score? Who will start in midfield? Let us know what you think below!
