All the star transfers, rumors that came to naught, and tedium of the long summer is over. Competitive Borussia Dortmund football is back. The squad that will take to the pitch of the Westfalenstadion has been infused with a load of new, young talent, and now it’s time to see how they can perform under the lights.
To open the season, BVB face the Bundesliga giants Hamburger SV. Hamburg did survive their first season back in the Bundesliga last year, although they certainly cut it close. Unfortunately
for Die Rothosen, they will have to begin the season without last season’s star, Fabio Vieira. The Portuguese midfielder spent last season on loan from Arsenal, and while Hamburg are in talks to buy him permanently, for now he is back in London.
Hamburg scored the third fewest goals in the league last season and lost their most dangerous offensive player. While obviously no opponent should ever be taken lightly, this does seem like a good opportunity to get all of Dortmund’s new players some experience together, so that by the time that they face really tough competition in the Champions League or against Bayern, any chemistry issues have been worked out.
Predicted Lineup
I am begging Niko Kovac to play the Greeks. Both Karetsas and Giannis looked absolutely electric in the Supercup and I simply need to see them on the pitch at the same time for more than 17 minutes. While I did call for Fabio Silva to get more starts at striker this season, per Kovac, Guirassy is still the #1 striker. I don’t actually mind it either. BVB will have the ball much more against Hamburg than they did against Bayern, and could use a true striker to find space and create chances in the box.
I would also love to see Veerman and Nmecha in midfield. I know that Jobe Bellingham brings a bit more physicality, but having two midfielders who can pick out pinpoint passes like Nmecha and Veerman seems utterly overpowered, especially so against a team like Hamburg that might stay defensive.
For the back line, Schlotterbeck is still injured, so we will see the same trio that faced Bayern. This will be the Bundesliga debut for Joane Gadou.
Some things to watch for:
- Assuming he starts, a massive question will be whether Joey Veerman can translate his game to a faster-paced league. While his production was insane in the Eredivisie, that league is notoriously high-scoring and open. Veerman will not have as much time on the ball without pressure in the Bundesliga. Tomorrow will be our first glance at how he’s able to adjust.
- I was particularly critical of Joane Gadou after his performance in the Supercup. This will be his first Bundesliga start. Thankfully, he’s not facing Bayern Munich, so hopefully his debut goes well.
- I would give Guirassy a tight leash. I think that Fabio Silva has played very well in Dortmund so far, and he is not happy about his lack of playing time. If BVB are struggling to create chances by the half, I would not hesitate to bring on the Portuguese youngster to inject a bit more pace and dynamism in the buildup.
- Just how good are these Greek kids? I can’t wait to find out.
Your Thoughts
What are you looking forward to when BVB take the pitch tomorrow? Let me know your thoughts
