Borussia Dortmund will aim to close the gap on the Bundesliga top four when they host relegation-threatened TSG Hoffeinheim at Signal Iduna Park on Sunday evening.
Both sides head into matchday 14 after claiming a point each last weekend, with Der BVB held to a massively disappointing 1-1 draw against Borussia Monchengladbach, while Sunday’s visitor shared the spoils with top-four hopefuls SC Freiburg.
Last weekend’s draw was a huge missed opportunity for Dortmund as a win would have taken them one step closer to the top four, but they’ll be looking to make up for it in front of the home fans.
Der BVB have blown hot and cold this season. Despite making some smart additions to the team, they’re still struggling to find their feet under the inexperienced Nuri Sahin.
Finishing in the top four will be the primary task for the former midfielder, and fans who get their Borussia Dortmund tickets from Seatsnet.com will be hoping they can get back to winning ways this weekend.
Eight points separate these two sides heading into Sunday’s must-win contest, but Der BVB will have to be at their best to come away with maximum points in their own backyard.
Match Preview
Dortmund will feel they missed a golden opportunity to secure all three points against Borussia Monchengladbach, and rightly so.
Despite generating over 1.5 xG from open play and limiting their opponents to just 0.34 xG, the hosts failed to capitalise on their dominance.
The result added to growing frustrations for Sahin’s side, especially after their narrow midweek 3-2 defeat against Barcelona in the Champions League.
The defeat at Spotify Camp Nou left Dortmund in ninth place in the league phase table with 12 points, but they still have a decent chance of clinching automatic promotion to the knockout rounds.
Their attacking potential was on full display against Barca, although it was to be expected given the rearguard frailties of the Catalan giants.
However, Dortmund didn’t cover themselves in glory at the back, especially when dealing with counter-attacks, and Sahin was in no mood to discuss the positives from the game.
“I don’t want to hear that we played a good game,” a visibly frustrated Sahin said in his post-match press conference.
“I want us to win these games, and we will win these games. We have to learn that as quickly as possible.
“I have a young team, we have talent, we have quality, but I want winners! We have to become winners.”
Dortmund’s concerning inconsistency has been their Achilles Heel this season.
They are winless in their last three matches, including challenging encounters with Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
In the Bundesliga, they’ve won just two of their last six outings (D2, L2), and their home form has also taken a hit, with Der BVB failing to win any of their last two games in front of the yellow wall.
In fairness, they had won eight consecutive home games, but that run was halted by league leaders Bayern Munich in a 1-1 draw before they succumbed to defeat against Barca in the UCL.
They’ll be keen to kick off another winning streak and maintain their near-flawless record when a struggling Hoffenheim side visit Signal Iduna Park this Sunday.
Hoffenheim will approach this game with cautious optimism.
While they sit just three points clear of the relegation play-off spot, their recent 1-1 draw with Freiburg halted a concerning run of three consecutive defeats – marking a significant step forward in their battle.
On Thursday, they played out a goalless draw with FCSB in the Europa League, a contest that saw both sides create three big chances each but fail to snatch a winner.
Head coach Christian Ilzer remains hopeful and encouraged his team to show bravery against Dortmund.
“They’re completely on track – now they simply need to get their reward,” Ilzer said. “It is important that we now pursue our approach consistently and make adjustments to the important points.”
Hoffenheim have produced a mixed bag of results in recent weeks.
Their 18 goals scored rank 12th in the Bundesliga, but their defensive woes are more pressing. They’ve shipped in 25 goals – the fourth-worst record in the division.
Adding to their struggles, Hoffenheim’s form away from home is woeful, as they have failed to win any of their last ten games on the road (D4, L6).
Key Stats
Both sides have been far from impressive this season, with Dortmund particularly yet to hit their stride despite the array of talents on their roster.
However, their strong record against Hoffenheim means they’ll head into this weekend’s showdown as overwhelming favourites.
Dortmund have won 16 of their last 34 meetings with Hoffenheim (D10, L8), but they’ve been dominant in this fixture since the 2020/21 Bundesliga campaign.
Der BVB have collected 19 points from eight games, marking their highest point tally against any opponent during that period.
However, Dortmund’s current Bundesliga campaign has been less impressive. With 21 points from their first 13 matches, they are experiencing their weakest start since the 2017/18 season.
The good news for them is that Hoffenheim have also been poor in recent outings, claiming just one win in their last six Bundesliga games.
Team News
Dortmund fans have reason to be hopeful, as forward Karim Adeyemi is set to return to the squad for the first time since he picked up an injury in October.
While he may not be named in the starting line-up, Adeyemi’s presence on the bench offers a boost for Sahin’s side, as he could come on to support Donyell Malen, Marcel Sabitzer, or Jamie Bynoe-Gittens in the attack.
Adeyemi’s return might be a massive relief, but Dortmund are still reeling from injury problems.
Key attackers Julian Brandt and Maximilian Beier are unavailable due to hamstring and knee injuries, respectively.
The defensive line has also taken a hit, with Nico Schlotterbeck, Niklas Sule, and Waldemar Anton all ruled out.
The defensive crisis could force Sahin to field a makeshift centre-back pairing of Emre Can and Ramy Bensebaini.
The visitors are also facing plenty of setbacks.
Centre-backs Ozan Kabak, Florian Grillitsch, and Christopher Lenz are unavailable, leaving Arthur Chaves and Stanley N’Soki as likely starters in front of goalkeeper Oliver Baumann.
Forward Adam Hlozek is expected to lead the line, supported by Andrej Kramaric, Tom Bischof, and Jacob Bruun Larsen, with Marius Bulter and Ihlas Bebou sidelined.
In midfield, the absences of Grischa Promel, Umut Tohumcu, and Finn Becker could see Anton Stach partner Diadie Samassekou.
Borussia Dortmund potential starting line-up:
(4-2-3-1): Gregor Kobel; Yann Couto, Emre Can, Ramy Bensebaini, Julian Ryerson; Pascal Gross, Felix Nmecha; Donyell Malen, Marcel Sabitzer, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens; Serhou Guirassy.
Hoffenheim possible starting line-up:
(4-2-3-1): Oliver Baumann; Valentin Gendrey, Arthur Chaves, Stanley N’Soki, Alexander Prass; Anton Stach, Diadie Samassekou; Tom Bischof, Andrej Kramaric, Jacob Bruun Larsen; Adam Hlozek.
