Three talking points ahead of Borussia Dortmund vs Nuremberg
By Tushar Bahl
Following a 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim, Borussia Dortmund return to the Westfalenstadion to take on newly promoted side FC Nuremberg.
Borussia Dortmund were far from their best against Hoffenheim on Saturday and go into Wednesday’s game knowing that they must improve if they are to achieve their targets this season. Lucien Favre is set to rotate his squad once again, meaning several fringe players could return to the squad.
Here are the three talking points ahead of Borussia Dortmund vs FC Nuremberg.
Who will replace Abdou Diallo?
Abdou Diallo was sent off against Hoffenheim on Saturday, and is suspended for Wednesday’s game, meaning Manuel Akanji will have a new partner at centre back. With Omer Toprak still not fit enough to feature, Dan Axel Zagadou is the favorite to take his place in the middle of the defense. The 19 year old has yet to feature this season and could be rusty as a result.
But Favre could turn to the experienced head of Lukasz Piszczek, who has been used as a centre back before, and played there for Poland at the World Cup this summer. If that is the case, then new signing Achraf Hakimi could make his debut at right back for Borussia Dortmund.
Who will start as the main striker?
Maximilian Philipp, Marco Reus and Marius Wolf have all tried and failed to make the striker’s position their own in the absence of the injured Paco Alcacer. The Spaniard is a doubt for Wednesday’s game, meaning Lucien Favre will have to line up with a makeshift forward against Nuremberg.
If Alcacer fails to recover in time, Marco Reus is the likely candidate to start up front. Maximilian Philipp started the season as the striker, but has failed to get into the starting line up in the last time games. While Marius Wolf has also struggled since his arrival from Frankfurt.
Favre also has Alexander Isak available to him, but its unlikely that the young striker will get the chance to feature.
light. Related Story. Alexander Isak should be given a chance in the first team
Will Lucien Favre tweak his tactics?
Borussia Dortmund have been very frustrating to watch at times this season, with their slow build up play and risk averse strategy. Dortmund failed to create a single chance in the first half against Hoffenheim and did not create a single chance from open play in the 90 minutes against Club Brugge a week ago. Favre’s conservative approach has irked quite a few fans and it will be interesting to see if he takes a more positive approach against Nuremberg.
The newly promoted side are likely to sit back and allow Borussia Dortmund to have the majority of the possession. And if Dortmund go with the same approach they have taken in the last two games, they might find it difficult to break down the Nuremberg defense.