Bundesliga | Gameweek 14

Dec 15, 2024 at 4.30pm UK

Signal-Iduna-Park

Dortmundvs.Hoffenheim

Match preview

The hosts may feel they should have taken all three points against Borussia Monchengladbach, as Dortmund created over 1.5 xG from open play, while the Fohlen managed just 0.34 xG from open play.

Nuri Sahin's men were also beaten by Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday night, a 3-2 defeat that left them ninth in the league standings on 12 points.

The match itself was worrying from a defensive point of view, with Dortmund looking particularly vulnerable on the counter-attack.

Sahin was in no mood to discuss the positives of the game, telling reporters: "I don't want to hear that we played a good game. I want us to win these games and we will win these games. We have to learn that as soon as possible. I have a young team, we have talent, we have quality, but I want winners! We have to become winners.

BVB have failed to win any of their last three matches, although they have played Barcelona and Bayern Munich in that time, and have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six Bundesliga games.

Although the home side are winless in their last two games at Signal Iduna Park, they won their previous eight at home, with the defeat to Barcelona their only defeat at the stadium this season.

As for the visitors, they may only be three points clear of 16th-placed Heidenheim, who occupy the relegation play-off spot, but they will be pleased with the draw with Freiburg, having lost their previous three matches.

Christian Ilzer's side were held to a 0-0 draw by FCSB in the Europa League on Thursday, a game in which both sides created three good chances.

Ahead of Sunday's clash, Ilzer urged his players to play with courage against Dortmund, saying: "They are on the right track, now they just need to get their reward. It is important that we continue with our approach and make the necessary adjustments for the important points.

Hoffenheim have scored 18 goals and conceded 25 in the Bundesliga, the 12th-best attacking and fourth-worst defensive records in the division.

The visitors' away form has been worrying for some time, with the club failing to win any of their 10 away games, losing six and drawing four.

Recent Performance

Borussia Dortmund Bundesliga form:LWLWDD

Borussia Dortmund form (all competitions):LWWDDL

Hoffenheim Bundesliga form:DLDWLD

Hoffenheim form (all competitions):WLLLDD

Team News

In positive news for Dortmund, striker Karim Adeyemi will be available in some capacity after being sidelined since October, but he may have to come off the bench for one of Donyell Malen, Marcel Sabitzer or Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.

Strikers Julian Brandt and Maximilian Beier are out with hamstring and knee injuries respectively, while centre-backs Nico Schlotterbeck, Niklas Sule and Waldemar Anton have all been ruled out.

Sahin may have no choice but to start midfielder Emre Can in a back four alongside Ramy Bensebaini at the heart of his defence.

The visitors' injury list is extensive, with centre-backs Ozan Kabak, Florian Grillitsch and Christopher Lenz all ruled out, leaving Arthur Chaves and Stanley N'Soki as the most likely candidates to start in front of goalkeeper Oliver Baumann.

Elsewhere, striker Adam Hlozek could be joined by Andrej Kramaric, Tom Bischof and Jacob Brunn Larsen, with Marius Bulter and Ihlas Bebou unavailable.

The absences of midfielders Grischa Promel, Umut Tohumcu and Finn Becker could see Anton Stach partnered by Diadie Samassekou.

Possible starting lineup

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