Borussia Dortmund vs. SV Darmstadt 98: Key Matchups

A 6-0, midweek victory in the Champions League over Legia Warsaw looks to be just what the doctor ordered for Borussia Dortmund.

With six different players finding the back of the net and a renewed posture, Dortmund looks to regain traction in the Bundesliga as they host SV Darmstadt.

After earning a 1-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, Darmstadt seem to be putting things together defensively.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Build-up from the back

Darmstadt has found success in creating offensive chances with its defenders. Sandro Sirigu and Aytac Sulu made a living off this type of build-up last season and Darmstadt was involved in some low-scoring, frustrating games. Look for Darmstadt to revert back to this tactic.

KEY TO THE GAME: Get ahead and stay ahead

Way back on match-day one, Koln took an early lead on Darmstadt who were stymied for the remainder of the game. Not designed to play from behind, discouraging Darmstadt with an early goal will be of utmost importance to Dortmund.

OPPOSING PLAYER TO WATCH: Roman Bezjak

Bezjak will be assuming the role of a combined attacking midfielder and centre forward. Making runs in behind striker Sven Schipplock, Bezjak will create problems for Dortmund’s defense, creating decoy runs and and surely getting chances for shots at goal.

PROJECTED LINEUP FOR DARMSTADT:

• Formation: 4-4-1-1
• Goalkeeper: Michael Esser
• Defenders: Fabian Holland, Sandro Sirigu, Immanuel Hohn, Florian Jungwirth
• Midfielders: Marcel Heller, Peter Niemeyer, Anis Ben-Hatira, Jerome Gondorf
• Forwards: Roman Bezjak, Sven Schipplock.

PREDICTION: Dortmund 4-1

Dortmund certainly showed a lot in Wednesday’s victory and look to be heading towards a surge of positive results. With a Darmstadt possibly without top defender Aytac Sulu this weekend, Dortmund should have their way with this defensively deep team.