Prediction: Paderborn vs Borussia Dortmund

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund win

Best Odds: 1/3

Bookmaker: bet365

Another week, another set of fixtures for the only major European league currently running – the German Bundesliga. Teams at the top and bottom of the table have been able to cause a stir in the first few weeks of the return to action, and today, we’ll be taking a look at a clash between Paderborn and Borussia Dortmund. The league table would suggest that this is going to be a bit of a mismatch, but you truly do never know what can happen at this level.

Paderborn

While it may not be the kind of unbeaten run they need to pull away from the relegation battle, three draws since the league resumed operations is a step in the right direction for Paderborn. It goes without saying that they need to string together some wins, and they need to do so pretty quickly, but it feels like they’re taking every game in their stride right now. They’ve only conceded once in their last three games, and they’ll fancy themselves as a team that can really frustrate Dortmund.

Team News

Kilian has been ruled out due to a thigh injury, but his recovery does appear to be going well. Gjasula is suspended after picking up yellow card number 15 in his last outing, whereas Mamba is expected to feature as well as Schonlau after they both recovered from a knee and ankle injury respectively.

Borussia Dortmund

All of the star power that Dortmund possess wasn’t enough against league leaders Bayern Munich, with lady luck refusing to shine down on the men in yellow & black. If they want to keep their title challenge going, they have to regroup and understand that grinding out results is going to be just as important as showing off the flair and poise we all know they possess. They’re the favourites heading into this one, but they can’t afford to rely on that tagline.

Team News

Hummels is set to be rested for this one due to an Achilles problem whereas Zagadou, Reus, Schulz, Dahoud and most crucially Haaland are expected to miss out.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in November, Paderborn & Dortmund drew 3-3.
• Paderborn have drawn three and lost three of their last six games.
• Dortmund have won four and lost two of their last six games.
• Paderborn have scored four goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
• Dortmund have scored nine goals and conceded four in their last six games.

Conclusion

Paderborn can always try and sit deep before inviting the pressure on from Dortmund, with history telling us that bigger teams tend to get frustrated by such tactics. Still, while their confidence may have been damaged by the loss to Bayern Munich, it still feels like they’re going to come out firing on all cylinders against the relegation contenders. The impact of a home game is pretty much non-existent right now, and Dortmund are going to prove that fairly decisively.

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund win

Best Odds: 1/3

Bookmaker: bet365