Match Preview: Dortmund Look to Take Revenge Against Stuttgart

Last time Dortmund faced Stuttgart we suffered an embarrassing defeat. Since then things have gotten worse for BVB. Our defense is shakier and we’ve lost all semblance of an identity. But hope is not yet lost for this season, we are in a hot contest for a Champions League spot. Stuttgart also are still in the picture for a spot in the Europa League in their first season back in the top flight. Both teams have all to play for,

For Dortmund we will benefit from players coming back from injury. Toprak and Reus are expected to be in the squad Sunday. The Reus/Batshuayi combination has worked very well for BVB and hopefully they will be able to topple a very tough Stuttgart defense. Batshuayi has the ability to swing games and is still feeling confident on social media in spite of our loss last weekend.

If Reus is to start choosing the other winger will be difficult for Stoger. While I would not be surprised to see Schurrle on the other wing, both Pulisic and Phillip should be given the spot over him. Pulisic had his first bright spot in weeks against Bayern and hopefully is feeling back to his old self. Phillip hasn’t gotten to much time since his return from injury so it would be nice for him to get a starting role if possible.

For our midfield it should be Gotze,Weigl and Dahoud. The are our three best midfielder sand if they are all in form for the match, we will win easily. That’s a big IF this season especially for Weigl. There are not many other options for CM’s except for Castro. Let’s not even entertain the idea of Castro starting for the sake of our collective mental states.

For defense Akanji and Toprak should be the starts given Toprak is healthy enough to play. For our fullbacks situation there really is no idea situation with no Raph so it probably should just be Schmel and Piz, who have both been underwhelming for awhile. A interesting choice I’d like to see Stoger make is maybe give Zagadou another look. With rumors swirling he is not getting along well with the club it would be a good statement to give him some game time.

Stuttgart have only scored 26 goals this year and are in 8th place. That is absolutely insane. This team is great at grinding out draws and small wins. Their leading goal scorer is 32 year old Mario Gomez who somehow is still playing in the league.\

Even with no real scoring threats Stuggart wins their games on playing compact and waiting for their chance. Dortmund have not been able to break down compact teams and always looks iffy on breaks. The point total may be large between these teams but this game will feel close.

What are your predictions for the match?