Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 14/5
Bookmaker: ZetBet
Borussia Dortmund will aim to capitalize on their improved form, highlighted by last weekend’s resilient 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich, as they visit Borussia-Park to face Borussia Monchengladbach in Saturday’s Bundesliga clash.
The hosts, currently 10th with 17 points, are seeking to bounce back after a 3-1 defeat to Freiburg. Meanwhile, Dortmund, sitting fifth with 20 points, are showing signs of consistency under Nuri Sahin, making this encounter a crucial test for their European qualification ambitions.
Borussia Monchengladbach
Although Gladbach managed just two fewer attempts than Freiburg’s 17, the winners created four big chances while only conceding one.
Manager Gerardo Seoane criticized his players for conceding immediately after cutting the deficit in the 61st minute, stating: “Especially the [third] goal conceded after the 2-1 was scored at the stupidest moment. You score the goal, have a good feeling, have a few minutes with more possession, then get the 3-1 – that was groundbreaking for the final phase.”
Seoane’s team has scored 18 goals and conceded 17 in the Bundesliga, ranking as the 10th-best attack and eighth-best defense.
Die Fohlen are in mixed form, with two wins, two draws, and two losses in their last six games, but have suffered only one defeat in their last six Bundesliga matches, with three wins and two draws.
Notably, the hosts have won their last four home games, scoring 10 and conceding three during that stretch.
Team News
Borussia Monchengladbach may be without center-back Luca Netz for a few days, which could see Marvin Friedrich and Ko Itakura paired in central defence.
Midfielder Yvandro Borges Sanches is expected to be sidelined until January, while Florian Neuhaus might only miss a few more days. This could lead to Rocco Reitz and Julian Weigl starting together in midfield during their absence.
Up front, Alassane Plea, Franck Honorat, and Robin Hack are likely to feature behind striker Tim Kleindienst.
Borussia Dortmund
BVB earned a point against Bayern on Saturday, restricting the Bavarians to just one shot on target in the first half but conceding four attempts on target in the second.
Sahin felt his side deserved the draw, stating: “I saw a very good Dortmund team today and I’m proud of the lads. We did a good job. Bayern has lots of quality. They changed the system at half-time and were able to push us back deep a few times. However, we had some good counter-attacking opportunities too.”
The Dortmund manager had faced criticism for his team’s performances in October, a month that saw four defeats. However, since November began, they have improved significantly, winning four, drawing one, and losing only once.
Their 3-1 loss to Mainz 05 on November 9 was partly due to being reduced to 10 men in the 27th minute with the score at 0-0.
Despite a 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb on November 27, BVB’s away form has been poor, with six consecutive defeats before that victory.
Team News
Borussia Dortmund will miss forward Karim Adeyemi due to a hamstring injury and defender Waldemar Anton, who is sidelined with a groin issue.
Sahin might opt for a back four featuring Julian Ryerson, Niklas Sule, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Ramy Bensebaini, positioned in front of goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Striker Serhou Guirassy is expected to lead the line, with Maximilian Beier, Julian Brandt, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens providing support.
Conclusion
Borussia Monchengladbach have shown strength at home this season, and despite their mixed overall form, they could well be the ones to open the scoring.
Meanwhile, Dortmund’s performances have improved considerably in recent weeks, and they will aim to carry their strong home form into improved results away from home.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 14/5
Bookmaker: ZetBet
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