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Match Preview: BVB Visit RB Leipzig

Napoli v RB Leipzig - UEFA Europa League Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images

Borussia Dortmund will pay a visit to top-four rivals RB Leipzig tomorrow at 12:30 ET.

This is the big test. Up until this point, Peter Stöger’s side has been able to coast along by playing mostly bad teams and scratch out wins against inferior opponents. It’s one thing to beat Hamburg or Köln, but it’s another thing entirely to beat RB Leipzig. They are a club with the attacking talent to get the job done, and if BVB aren’t careful, Peter Stöger could easily suffer his first league defeat.

If I sound pessimistic, it’s because I have somewhat reason to be. Dortmund have looked unconvincing at best and downright boring at worst under Peter Stöger. Even though he still hasn’t suffered a league defeat, BVB have had a habit of snatching victory (or a draw) from the jaws of defeat.

RB Leipzig are not having the standout season that they had last year, but they are still a quality side nonetheless. With a win, they could jump into third in the Bundesliga, tied with BVB on points but behind on goal difference (assuming they don’t win by at least 15). The line will be lead by Yussuf Poulsen, Marcel Sabitzer, Timo Werner, and Emil Forsberg, a formidable attack by any account. Reports are mixed about whether Naby Keita will be ready for the match; he’s been out with a hamstring tear for the past month.

Luckily for BVB, the squad will be close to full strength. According to the pre-game tweet by BVB (most of which are completely inaccurate), BVB’s lineup could look like this:

Schürrle, Götze, and Reus have played well together since they first assembled, so it’s good that they get the go-ahead again. Both Max Philipp and Jaden Sancho could be ready for Saturday’s match, so there are more reinforcements possible to come off the bench.

Prediction

I predict a 1-1 draw. BVB will probably score first, and immediately pack up shop and let Leipzig have the ball and the initiative. Werner will score in the 89th minute, and we will collectively face-palm as a community.