Borussia Dortmund is set to host Hamburg at Signal Iduna Park this weekend, aiming to solidify their position for a comfortable top-four finish in the Bundesliga standings.
Dortmund’s pursuit of the Bundesliga title was effectively curtailed after a 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the season’s final *Der Klassiker*. Despite this setback, the team has demonstrated resilience, bouncing back with two consecutive victories in their subsequent matches. In their most recent fixture against Augsburg, Karim Adeyemi and Luca Reggiani found the net, securing three crucial points and extending their lead over third-placed Hoffenheim to eight points.
Ahead of the upcoming match, Daniel Svensson has been declared fit to play after recovering from a minor knock sustained last weekend. However, Emre Can remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a long-term injury. The defensive setup is expected to feature a three-man backline consisting of Reggiani, Waldemar Anton, and Nico Schlotterbeck. In attack, Adeyemi is anticipated to partner Maximilian Beier, playing just behind the central striker, Serhou Guirassy.
Meanwhile, Hamburg enters this fixture following a 1-1 draw against Köln in their last game. Fábio Vieira initially put the hosts ahead, but Said El Mala netted an equalizer just before halftime. Merlin Polzin’s side has a knack for challenging Dortmund, having already held “Die Borussen” to a draw in their home fixture earlier this season. With a relatively strong away record in recent matches, Hamburg will be looking to secure more points from this game, meaning Dortmund must remain vigilant to avoid any potential slip-ups.
For Hamburg, Nicolas Capaldo will be unavailable due to abdominal issues. Their defense is projected to include Luka Vušković, Warmed Omari, and Jordan Torunarigha in a three-man formation. Fábio Vieira is expected to play an attacking midfield role, supporting the front two of Damion Downs and Ransford Königsdörffer.
Predicted Lineups for Borussia Dortmund vs. Hamburg
Borussia Dortmund:
Kobel – Reggiani, Anton, N. Schlotterbeck – Ryerson, F. Nmecha, Bellingham, Svensson – Adeyemi, Beier – Guirassy.
Hamburg:
Heuer Fernandes – Omari, L. Vušković, Torunarigha – Mikelbrencis, Lokonga, Remberg, Muheim – Vieira – Downs, Königsdörffer.
