The Bundesliga clash between Borussia Dortmund and Hoffenheim is generating significant interest as both teams seek to improve their standings. Dortmund, currently positioned seventh in the league, comes into this match following a series of disappointing results, including a recent draw against an unremarkable opponent and a loss to Barcelona in the Champions League . The team's defensive frailties have become apparent, particularly with injuries sidelining key players such as Schlotterbeck and Süle. In contrast, Hoffenheim sits at fourteenth place but has shown resilience by securing draws in their last two matches despite facing injury challenges themselves .
The first obstacle in Dortmund’s path is TSG Hoffenheim, a club that has historically given it problems, but that has struggled to stay afloat so far, currently sitting only three points above the relegation playoff spot, and have one of the worst expected goal differences in the league. Despite making several large transfers over the summer, including signing Adam Hlozek from Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim have been flirting with relegation. It’s already cost the job of one manager, Pellegrino Matarazzo, who was sacked in November and replaced by Christian Ilzer, who joined from Sturm Graz.
Dortmund currently sits sixth on the Bundesliga table with 21 points from 13 matches, its worst start to a league campaign in seven years. It trails leader Bayern Munich by 12 points, having drawn its past two league outings 1-1.
With 19 points at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund is the Bundesliga's best home team this season – it has only been better off after seven top-flight home games in 2021-2022 (21 points).
Hoffenheim, meanwhile, is still winless away from home in the competition this season, picking up just three points, but Sahin is still expecting a stiff test against the side sitting 14th on the table.
Borussia Dortmund possible starting lineup: Kobel; Couto, Can, Bensebaini, Ryerson; Gross, Nmecha; Malen, Sabitzer, Gittens; Guirassy
Hoffenheim possible starting lineup: Baumann; Gendrey, Chaves, Nsoki, Prass; Stach, Samassekou; Bischof, Kramaric, Larsen; Hlozek
The Black and Yellows, who were narrowly beaten by FC Barcelona on Wednesday, will have to make do without the likes of Nico Schlotterbeck, Niklas Süle, and Waldemar Anton on Sunday. So a make-shift central defensive pairing will take to the pitch at the Westfalenstadion.
Both teams will likely field altered lineups due to ongoing injury concerns. Dortmund's anticipated starting eleven includes Kobel; Couto, Can, Bensebaini; and Nmecha among others . Meanwhile, Hoffenheim's lineup may feature Baumann; Gendrey; and Kramarić . Although confirmed lineups are not yet available for fans eager to watch the match online, various platforms are expected to provide live streaming options leading up to kickoff. This matchup represents a critical juncture for both clubs as they strive for consistency in their performances.
Read more
Premier League: Manchester City vs Manchester United - free online , prediction and lineups Club Deportivo Alavés vs, Athletic Bilbao prediction lineups and free online 15.12.2024Sarah H
Also on site :
- La Liga match: Barcelona vs. Mallorca live stream, predictable lineups and match news
- Nantes vs. Paris Saint-Germain - prediction, free online live stream , lineups
- Arsenal Faces Crystal Palace: Key Match Details and Team Updates