Preview: Borussia Dortmund begin Lucien Favre era against Greuther Fürth in the DFB-Pokal

Can Lucien Favre win on debut and take Borussia Dortmund to the next round of the DFB Pokal? Here is our preview of the season opener as the Black and Yellows face second division side Greuther Fürth on Monday.

Match Information

Location: Stadion am Laubenweg, Fürth

Date: August 20th, 2018

Time: 6:45pm(GMT)/8:45pm(local time)

Recent Form

Borussia Dortmund

The Black and Yellows had a lengthy pre-season tour that saw them play seven matches in four countries. It started in Austria where Lucien Favre managed to pick up a 1-0 victory against Austria Wein in his managerial debut for Dortmund. The squad then traveled to the USA and took part in the International Champions Cup. They defeated Manchester City and Liverpool but were beaten by Benfica on penalties in the United States. Dortmund conceded a late goal against Rennes and were held to a draw on their return to Austria.

Next stop, Switzerland where they returned to winning ways by beating Zurich in a high scoring game but Napoli inflicted a defeat in the following. The Black and Yellows returned to Germany and played against Lazio where Marco Reus scored the only goal to wrap up the preparations for next season.

Greuther Fürth

Damir Buric’s side kicked off their season two weeks ago and they have already played twice in the Bundesliga 2. The Bavarian side came from behind to beat Sandhausen 3-1 in their opening game. In the second game, they managed to take the lead against Ingolstadt but conceded a goal in the 76th minute. The game ended in a draw, meaning that have 4 points on the board and are in 3rd on the league table.

Team News

Lucien Favre has confirmed that Axel Witsel will not be starting in the season opener. The Belgian International came on as a substitute in Dortmund’s last friendly but isn’t deemed fit to play a full 90 minutes. This suggests that Thomas Delaney will be making his professional debut for the Black and Yellows on Monday. Another new signing, Abdou Diallo is set to start alongside Omer Toprak in the defence. Jacob Bruun Larsen is the only player missing from the squad as he suffered a foot injury in training this week.

Greuther Furth captain Marco Caligiuri will be sitting out of this game due to a muscle injury. Damir Buric will have the services of two youth signings, Julian Green and Fabian Resse. RB Leipzig’s loanee, Elias Abouchabaka could make his professional debut for the club against Dortmund.

Opposition star man – Daniel Keita-Ruel

Daniel Keita-Ruel joined Fürth this summer and he has been in amazing form for the three-time Bundesliga winners. The French national has scored two goals for the club in as many games and could be a huge threat for the Dortmund defenders on Monday. He has been on a constant rise, moving up a tier in German football every summer. He managed to score 15 goals in 37 appearances in 3.Bundesliga last season.

Last Match – Borussia Dortmund 6 Greuther Fürth 1

The two sides last met during the 2012/13 season. Jurgen Klopp’s Dortmund tore apart the opposition defence and secured a massive 6-1 victory. Gundogan and Gotze scored a brace each, while Blaszczykowski got into the action to wrap up the first half. Greuther Fürth managed to gather themselves after the break, pulling back one in the 71st minute. But Lewandowski added a late goal to the thumping scoreline and three points were secured by the Black and Yellows.

Possible lineups

Borussia Dortmund: Bürki; Piszczek, Toprak, Diallo, Schmelzer; Delaney, Dahoud, Götze, Pulisic, Reus; Philipp

Greuther Fürth: Burchert; Hilbert, Maloca, Magyar, Wittek; Gugganig, Reese, Omladic, Green, Ernst; Keita-Ruel

Final Prediction – Borussia Dortmund 4 Greuther Fürth 1