The Bundesliga returns this weekend from an International Break that can’t come to a close soon enough. (At least for USMNT fans.) Thankfully, we can now shift focus to supporting our favorite Black and Yellow club as they try to cement themselves as a top team in the Bundesliga. With a flurry of late signings, and a premature contract extension for new trainer Niko Kovać, we will soon learn if these decisions should be applauded or chastised. For now, we will have to wait and see. But don’t expect
to see Fabio Silva any time soon, he’s injured.
Since their promotion to the Bundesliga in 2023, Heidenheim has been a thorn in Dortmund’s side, but they’ve never managed to beat BVB in that time. In the 2023-24 season, Heidenheim forced a pair of draws, but Borussia Dortmund defeated them in both home and away matches last season. The home side has also begun their third top-tier campaign in poor form, succumbing to both Wolfsburg and RB Leipzig. Heidenheim is typically a resilient side, so they shouldn’t be written off as they seek their first point of the season.
Player to Watch: Diant Ramaj
While I’ll certainly be hoping Dortmund put plenty of shots past Diant Ramaj, I’m also hoping the German Keeper is forced into making several saves. As a Borussia Dortmund player on loan at Heidenheim, I’m intrigued by his development, especially if the club sees his talent as a potential successor to Gregor Kobel. Ramaj seems hungry, unwilling to sit on the bench. What better experience than between the sticks of a Bundesliga club likely fighting relegation?
It’s a double-edged sword: I’d like to see Ramaj perform well, but he needs to concede if Dortmund are to win. Ramaj hasn’t had a flying start to the season however, making two saves but conceding three goals in each of Heidenheim’s Bundesliga matches. He’s earned a pair of yellow cards as well. I’ve admittedly not watched Ramaj play much, but I’m looking forward to seeing him this weekend, and making a few judgements for myself. I’d also like to hear how the commentators pronounce his name.
Predicted Starting XI:
As far as the starting lineup is concerned, I don’t anticipate seeing too many changes, but the season is young and Kovac could still be working out his preferred XI. I’m sure we’ll see Guirassy and Jobe start but we could see Sabitzer and Svensson rested as Kovac will likely require them against Juventus midweek. Felix Nmecha scored last weekend and could be rewarded with a start this time out. Kobel will start in goal, and we will likely see Anton, Bensebaini and Anselmino as the back three. I think we will see Yan Couto make another start with his recent performances impressing. Julian Brandt has undergone surgery on the wrist he broke during the Club World Cup, but he could still be available; he did play mere days after the initial injury. I’ll throw Chukwuemeka into my Starting XI, but somehow I think a surgery-recovering Brandt will still be the fitter player. Where further changes might be depend on whether Kovać approaches this match with a front two or not. I think we will see Guirassy-Beier up front again, but I’d love to see Adeyemi get a start so we’ll see what happens.
Match Predictions
Borussia Dortmund never make things easy for themselves, but I think they’ll pull off a win, even if that isn’t obvious until the dying minutes. I think this will be a match where both teams score, but Dortmund’s individual quality should be enough to outmatch Heidenheim, even if it’s a poor team performance from the Black and Yellows. This is the type of match in which Dortmund have struggled in recent years, but how easily they put this game to bed should reflect the work Nico Kovac has done, for better or worse. This should be a comfortable win on the road for BVB. Apologies if I just jinxed it.
