Introduction:
Hello y’all! My name is Jacob Kolb, and I am one of the new writers here at Fear The Wall. I am 17 years old and have loved this chaotic team since I was little. I enjoy finding interesting angles on stories, and I look to bring a more personal side to my articles as well. I am privileged to write for this blog and am excited to cheer (and probably cry) with y’all over this team throughout the season. Heja BVB!
Match Analysis:
Borussia Dortmund will kick off their first home game of the 2025/26 season against Union
Berlin tomorrow. While the boys in black and yellow fumbled to a 3-3 draw against Saint Pauli last week, Union was able to snatch a 2-1 win against opponents VFB Stuttgart.
The last time Dortmund faced Union was in February of this year, when the team dismantled Union 6-0, and Groß and Guirassy turned into a prime Messi-Suarez-esque duo. We can all pray for a repeat of that game, however unlikely it may be. Union has got the better of Dortmund plenty of times before, and we need a good, solid win to recover from the meltdown that was the Saint Pauli game.
Union Berlin is a primarily defensive team. They tend to play in a back 3 or back 5 that utilizes strong and pacey wingbacks. In fact, one of Union’s key defenders is 20-year-old Tom Rothe, a product of the BVB youth academy. Union loves to counterattack, and if Dortmund’s defense gets caught off guard without support, this will be a difficult game. Hopefully, Guirassy has reinstalled aim-bot like he did in the last Union game, because 33-year-old goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow is in fine form, making 5 saves last week, and was recently voted as Union Player of the Year by the club’s fan base.
Player to Watch: Ilyas Ansah
Union Berlin’s summer signing from SC Paderborn got off to a thumping start in the Bundesliga. He scored both goals in their 2-1 victory last week, and each was spectacular. He is a traditional Union forward, which means he is simply a walking tank standing at the height of 6’4 inches. He could quickly out-muscle Dortmund’s defense if they aren’t careful, especially since neither Can nor Süle is available to be Dortmund’s physical powerhouse.
Predicted Lineup:
I assume the lineup will remain fairly similar to last week’s game. I bet that Ryerson will come in for Couto since he played for Union and is a player who will bring more drive and power when pushing against a strong defense. But the main question is at center-back. With Mane out on suspension, there are simply no natural center-backs left within the club. The only bright spot is that we signed Chelsea defender Anselmino on loan a mere 3 days ago. If Kovac can whip him into shape enough to start, then I believe he will. Otherwise, he could employ a typical back four or simply use Ryerson as the third center-back and start Couto on the wing. The point is that many different options could be used, none of which are favorable.
Final Predictions:
My score prediction is a nervy 3-2 win. I believe Dortmund will find a flow in attack, but I am not confident in our defense holding up. Let me know your predictions down below!
