Dortmund Match Preview: BVB take on league leaders RB Leipzig

Its time for one of the newest rivalries in the Bundelsiga to add another chapter. RB Leipzig, a team whose name alone makes BVB fans role their eyes, travel to Dortmund for the last BVB home game of the Hinrunde. I’d expect some sort of BVB fan shenanigans before the game, a banner or some flares, but with most fans set to perform jingle bells after the game, hopefully spirits will align with the season. Axel Witsel will not be available but the rest of the team seems healthy for this huge clash.

This game will be the real test for Favre’s 3-4-3. So far he managed to save himself from being fired because this lineup worked so well, but only vs weaker opposition. Leipzig are top of the league and in good form. The back three should be Zagadou-Hummels-Akanji. They worked well over the weekend and while I am worried having no fresh defenders starting could hurt us, there just aren’t enough good options on the bench. Baleridi is a option but he has minimal game time with the first team. In the midfield, Brandt and Weigl will probably work again. Brandt is crucial for the 3-4-3 and Weigl has been playing in better form as well. If Delaney is fit enough I could see Favre giving him the start over Weigl but I doubt Delaney can just get right back into it. On the sides Raph and Hakimi are good bets but if Paco is healthy I could see Hazard replacing Raph while Marco replaces Hazard. Sancho, Reus and Hazard will all probably play regardless and hopefully Paco is ready to take the forward position back.

The Red Bulls wont be a easy opponent. They have talent o their squad that rivals our own including one of the hottest strikers in Europa Timo Werner. Werner has 21 goals and 9 assists in all competitions so far. Werner isn’t the only incredible shot maker on the team, Marcel Sabitzer has 11 goals and 7 assists as well. Fullbacks Mukiele and Halstenburg are probably the best FB paring in the league in terms of defensive and offensive capability. Both are quick in getting down the field and beating their man in break situations. All in all BVB will have lots of trouble on the wings this game, it will be crucial for our midfield to hold things together. Leipzig have the second best defense in the league with 16 goals allowed so far. We have been flying high at BVB recently but it will be a much tougher task to break down this squad.

What do you think the best lineup/game plan for today should be?