After separating themselves from the pack even further last week in Stuttgart (in what felt like somewhat of a mini-derby), Dortmund are returning home with fewer worries every other week. They have fully set up shop in second place, 11 points clear of the next best Leipzig, and 14 points removed from a Europa League ticket. A position that feels remarkably unfitting considering how second-rate Dortmund have played this season, with the recent win over Stuttgart being yet another example of the ugliness
in their success.
Be that as it may, Leverkusen have had a weird, mixed bag of a season themselves. Kasper Hjulmand has steered the 2024 champions in an acceptable direction after they hit the eject button on Erik Ten Hag on Matchday 2. They’re undefeated in their last six league games, and another three-pointer on Saturday is absolutely vital if they want to remain in the hunt for UCL nights next season, as they are currently four points behind 4th.
Dortmund will once again be forced to fill the void in midfield left by Felix Nmecha’s absence, a challenge they were not able to master last weekend. Can BVB make it five wins on the trot for Ole Book’s home premiere?
Player to Watch: Montrell Culbreath
The now 18-year-old left the youth academy of FC Kaiserslautern for Die Werkself in 2023 and has since not only become a regular starter for them but also signed his first professional contract at the end of January. He was able to score on his Bundesliga debut against Leipzig, operating as an offensive chaos agent off the bench. Now primarily being utilized as a wingback under Hjulmand, who trusts him unwaveringly, Leverkusen have likely discovered a new Jeremie Frimpong-like weapon.
He may still have final exams to prepare for, but that shouldn’t hold him back from making an impact this Saturday.
Predicted Lineup
The most beloved man in all of Stuttgart, Karim Adeyemi, is unfortunately suspended for this match. Nonetheless, I don’t foresee any major adjustments to the usual XI. I would start Silva ahead of Guirassy, not just because of his world-class assist a week ago, but because he’s flat-out the better player at this point. Julian Brandt could also very well start, but I feel he works better coming off the bench. Is it time we see more of Samuele Inacio?
Score Prediction
I think we will once again struggle without Nmecha present to connect midfield to final third. But hopefully the aura of the Westfalenstadion carries us through the finish line. (How much black magic do we have left in the tank, Niko?)
Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Bayer 04 Leverkusen
