:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51332887/611949126.0.jpg)
Borussia Dortmund will look to get back into the win column when Hertha BSC Berlin arrives at the Westfalenstadion.
Dortmund were outplayed in their last match back on October 1, falling 2-0 at Bayer Leverkusen. Admir Mehmedi and Chicharito each scored for the home team to knockoff BVB.
Hertha Berlin, meanwhile, is looking to keep their momentum in full swing after defeating Hamburg 2-0. Vedad Ibisevic scored twice to record his 20th career Bundesliga brace.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Low crosses and shots from distance
Hertha likes to keep the ball on the ground, and they’ve been able to deliver accurate thru-balls and crosses along the ground successfully this season. Berlin also attempts a number of shots from distance to generate chances. And against a keeper susceptible to giving up rebounds in Roman Burki, Berlin could find immense success with ground attack. While Berlin has only scored once from outside the box this season, goals can still be generated from a lethal distance-shooting team.
KEY TO THE GAME: out-pace the opponent
The reason why Berlin has been so successful in maintaining the ground game this season is their agility and physicality. Hertha’s attacking players are able to get around defenders by out-pacing them and forcing them off the ball. Dortmund has traditionally been a fast, possession-oriented team and should likely be able to neutralize the Berlin attack.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Vedad Ibisevic
The Bosnian striker sure knows how to score and has been stellar for Hertha this season, scoring five goals and adding two assists in just six matches. Not only is he fast and a scoring threat, but he is accurate as well, getting 77% of his shots on target.
PROJECTED LINEUP:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Rune Jarstein
- Defenders: Marvin Plattenhardt, John Brooks, Sebastian Langkamp, Peter Pekarik
- Midfielders: Fabian Lustenberger, Per Skjelbred; Genki Haraguchi, Valentin Stocker, Mitchell Weiser
- Forward: Vedad Ibisevic
PREDICTION: Dortmund 3-1
It’s unlikely to think that Dortmund will drop two straight matches in league play. In front of a home crowd this weekend, Dortmund will get back into the groove against a talented Hertha side with a victory that could likely set off a winning streak for BVB.