Borussia Dortmund will aim to get the better of high-flying RB Leipzig at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday.
Borussia Dortmund’s struggles continue as they prepare for a challenging Bundesliga clash against high-flying RB Leipzig at Signal Iduna Park. With only 13 points from their first eight matches, Dortmund sit seventh in the table, while Marco Rose’s Leipzig occupy second, only trailing leaders Bayern Munich on goal difference.
Nuri Sahin’s side are on a three-game losing streak across all competitions. They were recently knocked out of the DFB-Pokal by Wolfsburg in a narrow 1-0 loss, despite a high shot count of 18, highlighting inefficiencies in finishing and defensive vulnerabilities as they also conceded 16 shots.
Before that, a tough 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League and a 2-1 Bundesliga loss to Augsburg saw Dortmund’s issues intensify. Despite holding 76% possession against Augsburg, BVB only managed to create one big chance and accumulated less than one expected goal (xG). Sporting Director Sebastian Kehl has voiced support for Sahin, emphasising collective responsibility in turning things around.
Offensively, Dortmund have netted 15 goals in the league, putting them among the top-five scoring teams, though they have conceded 14, marking their defence as one of the more vulnerable among the Bundesliga’s upper-tier teams. Despite recent difficulties, BVB have been nearly unstoppable at home, winning their last eight games at Signal Iduna Park, scoring 19 goals in just five home matches this season.
Leipzig, meanwhile, come into this clash as one of only two unbeaten sides left in the Bundesliga. Though they have struggled in the Champions League, suffering three straight losses, Die Roten Bullen have been exceptional domestically. Marco Rose’s side advanced in the DFB-Pokal after a solid 4-2 win over St. Pauli, with Yussuf Poulsen’s early brace setting the tone. In their latest league outing, Leipzig mounted a second-half comeback to defeat Freiburg 3-1, demonstrating resilience after falling behind in the 15th minute.
Rose praised his players’ commitment and performance in that game, reflecting his pride in their recent form. Currently on a run of four wins in their last five matches, Leipzig are unbeaten in their last 19 Bundesliga games, including seven away wins and three draws from their last 10 road trips. With confidence running high, Leipzig will look to capitalize on Dortmund’s vulnerabilities and maintain their chase of Bayern at the summit of the table.
Both teams have much at stake in this high-intensity encounter, with Dortmund hoping to end their slump and Leipzig aiming to extend their unbeaten league run and keep pace at the top. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Borussia Dortmund
Nuri Sahin faces an uphill task as Borussia Dortmund’s squad is plagued by injuries and suspensions ahead of their clash with RB Leipzig. Defender Almugera Kabar is suspended, while Niklas Sule will also be unavailable, leaving Sahin short on defensive options. Midfielders Yan Couto, Giovanni Reyna, and Julian Ryerson are also set to miss the match due to their respective injuries, further thinning the squad.
There is a glimmer of hope that Waldemar Anton could make the squad on Saturday, providing some much-needed depth in defence. Meanwhile, both Felix Nmecha and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel sustained knocks in the recent loss to Wolfsburg, putting their availability in doubt. Should Kobel miss out, Alexander Meyer is expected to step in between the posts.
In midfield, Marcel Sabitzer and Pascal Gross are likely to form a double pivot, given Dortmund’s limited options. The attack will also lack depth, with Julien Duranville and Karim Adeyemi unavailable. Dortmund will likely depend on Donyell Malen, Julian Brandt, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens to support lone striker Serhou Guirassy.
In a probable 4-2-3-1 setup, Dortmund may field Alexander Meyer as the starting goalkeeper if Gregor Kobel is ruled out. The defence could feature Emre Can at right-back, with Waldemar Anton partnering Nico Schlotterbeck at the heart of the defence, and Ramy Bensebaini occupying the left-back position.
In midfield, Marcel Sabitzer and Pascal Gross are likely to take on the roles of the double pivot, controlling the centre of the park. Ahead of them, the attacking midfield trio would see Donyell Malen operating on the right wing, Julian Brandt in a central playmaking role, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens on the left wing. Up front, Serhou Guirassy is expected to lead the line as the sole striker, aiming to break through Leipzig’s defence and deliver a much-needed spark for Dortmund.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meyer; Can, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Sabitzer, Gross; Malen, Brandt, Gittens; Guirassy
RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig will be missing several key players heading into their clash with Borussia Dortmund. Left-back David Raum is sidelined until mid-December 2024 due to injury, and midfielder Xaver Schlager is also out, with a projected return in early January 2025.
Xavi Simons and Nicolas Seiwald are also unavailable for selection due to injuries, while Assan Ouedraogo is expected to miss only a short period, potentially returning in the coming days. This series of absences presents a challenging situation for Marco Rose, who will need to adjust his lineup and tactics accordingly.
In a likely 4-4-2 formation, RB Leipzig is expected to start with Peter Gulacsi as the goalkeeper. The backline could feature Lutsharel Geertruida in the right-back role, with Willi Orban and Castello Lukeba partnering as centre-backs, while Benjamin Henrichs takes up the left-back position.
In midfield, Marco Rose may deploy a double pivot of Amadou Haidara and Kevin Kampl in central roles, providing defensive cover and stability. Christoph Baumgartner is expected to play on the right flank, while Antonio Nusa takes on the left-wing position, adding width to Leipzig’s attack.
Up front, the strike partnership of Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda will lead the offensive line, with both forwards aiming to capitalise on Borussia Dortmund’s defensive vulnerabilities and create scoring
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Gulacsi; Geertruida, Orban, Lukeba, Henrichs; Baumgartner, Haidara, Kampl, Nusa; Sesko, Openda
Key Stats
- Borussia Dortmund have lost six of their last seven competitive matches against RB Leipzig. Their only recent win over Leipzig came in the 2022/23 Bundesliga season with a 2-1 scoreline.
- This will be the tenth Bundesliga Saturday evening clash between Dortmund and Leipzig. The last three Saturday matchups have ended in victories for Leipzig, who have won five out of these encounters overall.
- With only 13 points from their first eight games, this is Dortmund’s worst Bundesliga start in a decade. They have conceded 14 goals, their highest at this stage since the 2007/08 season (16 goals).
- Leipzig have accumulated 20 points from their first eight games, setting a club record. They are currently on a 19-match unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga, marking the longest active unbeaten run in the league.
- Dortmund have won each of their last eight home games across all competitions, their best run since late 2022 to mid-2023. They remain unbeaten at home this Bundesliga season with four wins, collecting 12 of their 13 total points at Signal Iduna Park.
Player to Watch
Serhou Guirassy
All eyes will be on Serhou Guirassy, the striker who has emerged as a potent force in Dortmund’s lineup. Known for his physical presence and goalscoring prowess, Guirassy has become a focal point in Dortmund’s attacking setup, especially with key players sidelined due to injuries.
His recent performances have highlighted his versatility, combining strength with technical skill to disrupt opposition defences. The ability to hold up play allows Dortmund’s attacking midfielders like Julian Brandt and Donyell Malen to make penetrating runs, adding a dynamic edge to Dortmund’s offensive strategy. Additionally, Guirassy’s aerial threat in the box provides Dortmund with an alternative dimension, especially during set pieces.
Against Leipzig, a team known for their defensive solidity, Guirassy’s role will be crucial. His matchup against Willi Orban and Castello Lukeba could be a defining aspect of the game. If Guirassy can leverage his strength and positioning to create chances or draw fouls, he might open up opportunities for Dortmund to capitalize on Leipzig’s backline.
With Dortmund desperate for a spark to break their losing streak, Guirassy could be the game-changer. His finishing ability and knack for being in the right place at the right time make him a player Leipzig will need to mark closely, as any lapse in concentration could see him making a decisive impact on the scoreline.
Prediction
Borussia Dortmund 2-2 RB Leipzig
With Dortmund’s recent slump but formidable home record and Leipzig’s impressive unbeaten run, this game promises intense action and high stakes. The home side will be desperate to reverse their fortunes. Yet, Leipzig’s momentum and structural solidity could give them the edge in a fiercely contested battle.
A score draw seems plausible, though Leipzig’s form hints they might just have enough to edge a narrow win. The Hard Tackle predicts a riveting 2-2 draw between Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig this weekend.