Borussia Dortmund have the chance to continue their resurgence in the Bundesliga when they host fierce rivals Schalke 04 in the Revierderby on Saturday afternoon.
A disastrous first half of the season was followed by a disappointing start to 2015, but Jurgen Klopp has finally produced a response to guide his side to three successive league wins for the first team this season.
In a campaign in which no side in the bottom half of the table appears to be safe from relegation, that run has seen Dortmund climb up to 12th, and they could move into the top half if results go their way this weekend.
However, all eyes will be on Signal Iduna Park as the two sets of supporters prepare for one of the biggest days of the season, and Klopp could respond to Tuesday's 1-0 defeat to Champions League rivals Juventus by making a few changes.
Despite impressing in the Bundesliga recently, Shinji Kagawa was named as a substitute in Turin and he could be set for a recall, but the hosts will be without Lukasz Piszczek, who has been ruled out for six weeks with an ankle injury.
Schalke have received a boost in their preparations for the match with the news that Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has recovered from bruising to his shin to make himself available for selection following his domestic suspension.
Roberto Di Matteo's side are without a win in three games in all competitions, but recent history suggests that the visitors can make the trip full of confidence.
Schalke have lost just one of their last seven league games at Dortmund's home, and recorded a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture back in September.
Dortmund:
Form in Bundesliga: LDLWWW
Form in all competitions: DLWWWL
Possible starting lineup: Weidenfeller, Ginter, Sokratis, Hummels, Schmelzer, Gundogan, Sahin, Kagawa, Reus, Aubameyang, Ramos
Schalke:
Form in Bundesliga: DWDWLD
Form in all competitions: WDWLLD
Possible starting lineup: Wellenreuther, Barnetta, Howedes, Matip, Nastasic, Fuchs, Neustädter, Hoger, Meyer, Choupo-Moting, Huntelaar
No comments:
Post a Comment