Verdict: Borussia Dortmund win
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Dachbet
In what is a blockbuster Bundesliga battle this weekend, Borussia Dortmund will welcome Bayer Leverkusen to rural Germany.
Borussia Dortmund
Starting with the hosts, while Borussia Dortmund might have already accepted that the best they can muster is another silver medal finish among Germany’s elite this season, BVB have continued to impress on either side of March’s international break. Last seen marking their return from the fortnight interval with a rugged display as they secured a 2-0 victory away at Stuttgart, Niko Kovac’s side will be looking to make another high-profile statement this weekend. Heading into March’s fortnight interval with a rollercoaster 3-2 victory at home against Hamburg, the former Monaco boss has seen his high-flying squad win all of their last four consecutive Bundesliga appearances by an aggregate score of 9-3. Finding a real clinical edge in the final third, it should also be noted that Kovac’s men have won five of their previous six showdowns at Signal Iduna Park.
Borussia Dortmund Team News
Shown what was a costly second-half booking against Stuttgart last week, German international Karim Adeyemi will serve a one-match Bundesliga suspension here. Both Felix Nmecha and former Liverpool star Emre Can remain on the sidelines with respective knee injuries.
Coming off the bench and finding the net against Stuttgart on his return from March’s international break, Julian Brandt could be handed a full recall. Reportedly attracting plenty of heavyweight European interest ahead of the summer transfer window, Nico Schlotterbeck will start at the heart of BVB’s defence.
Bayer Leverkusen
As for the visitors, marking their respective return from March’s international break with a remarkable 6-3 victory at home against Wolfsburg, Bayer Leverkusen are now searching for some much-welcomed stability. Watching their Champions League adventure come to an end last month following a 3-1 aggregate defeat against English giants Arsenal, Kasper Hjulmand’s side have now won just a pair of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to February 18th. However, despite being pencilled in as a real underdog contender this weekend, Leverkusen will be excited by their most recent trip to rural Germany. Landing a 1-0 DFP Pokal victory when they travelled to Signal Iduna Park back on December 2nd, the former Denmark boss will be dreaming of a repeat performance on Saturday afternoon.
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
Missing out against Wolfsburg last weekend with a reported thigh issue, Bayer Leverkusen are once again sweating over the fitness of former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah. Likewise, ex-Real Madrid superstar Lucas Vazquez remains on the sidelines with a calf issue.
Serving a one-match Bundesliga suspension last week, Spanish international Aleix Garcia will return to Leverkusen’s travelling squad. Completing a permanent switch from Premier League outfit Brentford last summer, Dutch international goalkeeper Mark Flekken will start between the sticks.
Borussia Dortmund vs Bayer Leverkusen Key Factors to Consider
- When Saturday’s opponents last met in rural Germany on December 2nd, Bayer Leverkusen claimed a 1-0 DFP Pokal victory at Signal Iduna Park.
- Borussia Dortmund have won their previous four Bundesliga appearances by an aggregate score of 9-3.
- Bayer Leverkusen have won just a pair of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to February 18th.
- BVB have notched at least a pair of goals in 12 of their last 13 appearances across all fronts.
- Leverkusen have shipped eight goals in their last three showdowns away from the BayArena.
Conclusion
While Leverkusen might have secured a gritty 1-0 DFP Pokal victory when they travelled to rural Germany back in December, BVB will be smelling the chance to claim some immediate revenge here. Embarking on what has been a real Bundesliga flurry on either side of March’s international break, Saturday’s hosts have won all of their last four consecutive domestic showdowns by an aggregate score of 9-3. Given Leverkusen’s recent defensive issues, Kovac’s side will be confident of making another domestic statement this weekend.
Verdict: Borussia Dortmund win
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Dachbet