I’m not going to sugarcoat things: It’s been a rough couple of weeks for Borussia Dortmund. A ravenous string of injuries has seemingly knocked out the entire starting XI. Certain players (*cough* Emre Mor *cough*) have been in putrid form. The club in general has turned in numerous poor performances against weak teams. Despite all the pessimism that has plagued Borussia Dortmund over the past couple weeks, a win this weekend could do wonders for this club’s confidence.

FC Schalke 04, or “the Smurfs,” as they shall henceforth be called, are coming to the Westfalenstadion for this season’s home installment of the Revierderby. After a truly horrid start to the season that saw them dead last after four matches, the Smurfs have started to turn it around. They’re 5-1-0 in their last six matches, and have demolished Borussia Mönchengladbach and Mainz 4-0 and 3-0 respectively. Thomas Tuchel’s men will have to play their very best in order to escape the derby with all three points.

The Revierderby one of the most contentious football rivalries in Europe. Regardless of form, injuries, or table position, both teams will be expected to give it their all: anything less will be unacceptable. In a way, both clubs have something to prove: BVB look to show that even with all their injuries, and that they belong amongst the league’s elite. The Smurfs are looking to prove that the start to their year was a fluke, and that they can compete with the big dogs. To that extent, we should be in for one cracker of a match.

Lineup

Here is the lineup that BVB released on their twitter:

Prediction

I know that our club is enduring a bit of a rough stretch. If we were playing Leverkusen or Leipzig I’d be very worried. Against the Smurfs, though, I’m predicting a 2-1 BVB victory. This is the Revierderby: maybe other than Der Klassiker, this is the first match we look to on the calendar when the season’s fixtures are released. Every player will be giving everything they have, and the Smurfs have looked very unsteady throughout the season. A win tomorrow could turn our season around, so let’s hope Tuchel and the squad can pull it off.