Form: Unexpected defeats
BVB go into the meeting with Eintracht in fourth place in the Bundesliga standings with 18 points from nine matches. Besides seven wins, there have been two surprising defeats against FC Augsburg and against 1. FC Köln on the last matchday. Lucien Favre’s side also lost 3-2 in ‘Der Klassiker’ against FC Bayern Munich.
| Borussia Dortmund 2020/21 | |
|---|---|
| Stats | 6 wins, 0 draws, 3 defeats, 21:9 goal difference, 18 points, 4th in the table |
| Form | W-W-L-W-L |
| Goalscorers | Haaland (10), Hummels (3), Reus (2), Akanji (1), Can (1), Guerreiro (1), Hazard (1), Passlack (1), Reyna (1) |
Tactics: Young bucks mixed with old heads
Favre predominantly sends his team out in a 4-2-3-1 system, although they can easily play with a back three depending on the individuals in the starting line-up. The Swiss coach rotates regularly due to BVB’s involvement in the Champions League in midweek.
Alongside experienced players such as Mats Hummels, Axel Witsel, Marco Reus and Lukasz Pisczcek, Favre has young talents like Jude Bellingham, Giovanni Reyna, Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho and Youssoufa Moukoko – who’s only just turned 16 – to pick from.
There are injury doubts over Hummels, Thomas Meunier and ex-Frankfurt man Emre Can, while top scorer Haaland will definitely miss out after picking up a muscle strain during the week.
One to watch: Raphael Guerreiro
The Portuguese has been with Dortmund since 2016 and remains a key member of the team. Guerreiro is a versatile player who can be deployed on the left in both defence and midfield. The 26-year-old has been directly involved in 49 goals in his 131 competitive appearances for the Black and Yellows (24 goals, 25 assists). Guerreiro has again proven indispensable this term, registering a goal and three assists in seven games.
