Borussia Dortmund will be keen to snap their three-game losing streak in the Bundesliga against Werder Bremen on Saturday.
Borussia Dortmund face a challenging reset as they begin life without Nuri Sahin, hosting Werder Bremen at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday in a Bundesliga clash that could have significant implications for both teams’ seasons.
The hosts, sitting in tenth place with 25 points, parted ways with Sahin following a series of underwhelming performances, including a 2-0 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt in their last league game. Interim coach Mike Tullberg, promoted from Dortmund’s Under-19s, will look to reignite the team’s campaign and steady the ship in front of their home supporters.
Borussia Dortmund head into this crucial match with almost a full squad, a rarity given their previous injury issues. The only significant absentee is centre-back Niklas Süle, which allows Nico Schlotterbeck and Waldemar Anton to form the central defensive partnership. Marius Wolf and Ramy Bensebaini are expected to play as full-backs, balancing width with defensive responsibility.
In midfield, Emre Can and Felix Nmecha will likely operate as a double pivot, offering mobility and defensive stability to shield the defense while linking up with the attack. Their control over the game’s tempo will be key in facilitating smooth transitions between defense and attack.
The attacking setup is expected to feature the dynamic quartet of Jamie Gittens, Julian Brandt, Maximilian Beier, and striker Serhou Guirassy. Brandt’s creativity in the central attacking role will be pivotal in unlocking Bremen’s defence, while the pace and trickery of Bynoe-Gittens and Beier on the flanks will look to exploit spaces out wide.
Guirassy, a clinical finisher, will lead the line, aiming to capitalise on the opportunities created by his teammates. This lineup, combining youthful exuberance and experienced heads, will aim to inject fresh energy into Dortmund’s performance under interim coach Mike Tullberg.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Kobel; Ryerson, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Can, Nmecha; Beier, Brandt, Gittens; Guirassy
Werder
Werder Bremen enter this fixture with a few key absentees, most notably midfielder Felix Agu, who is sidelined until early February. In his absence, Jens Stage and Senne Lynen are likely to form the midfield partnership, tasked with maintaining balance and providing defensive cover while facilitating transitions.
In attack, Jamie Gittens, Julian Brandt, Maximilian Beier, and Serhou Guirassy are expected to form the offensive unit. Brandt will play a central role in creating chances, while Gittens and Beier will use their pace and skill on the wings to stretch the opposition. Guirassy will lead the attack, aiming to capitalize on the service from his teammates. This lineup, blending youthful energy with experience, will look to energize Dortmund’s performance under interim coach Mike Tullberg.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Kobel; Ryerson, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Can, Nmecha; Beier, Brandt, Gittens; Guirassy
Defender Julian Malatini is also unavailable due to a muscle injury, leaving coach Ole Werner with limited options at the back. As a result, a back three comprising Niklas Stark, Marco Friedl, and Anthony Jung is expected to start, with their experience crucial in dealing with Dortmund’s attacking threats. Wing-backs Mitchell Weiser and Derrick Kohn will provide width, contributing both defensively and offensively.
In the forward line, striker Keke Topp is unavailable due to an ankle injury, forcing Bremen to adjust their attacking setup. Marvin Ducksch is set to lead the line, supported by the creative duo of Romano Schmid and Marco Grull. This combination will aim to exploit any defensive lapses from Dortmund, with Ducksch’s finishing ability and Schmid’s creativity being pivotal.
Bremen’s 3-4-2-1 formation offers defensive solidity while allowing them to transition quickly into attack, making them a threat on the counter. Michael Zetterer will function as the last line of defence in goal.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Zetterer; Stark, Friedl, Jung; Weiser, Stage, Lynen, Kohn; Schmid, Grull; Ducksch
Prediction
Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Werder Bremen
Dortmund’s attacking talent and the new manager’s bounce under Mike Tullberg could see them edge a close contest, while Bremen’s defensive issues may leave them vulnerable at key moments. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Tullberg and his charges.
