Three talking points ahead of Borussia Dortmund vs Union Berlin

Following a disappointing 2-2 draw over the weekend, Borussia Dortmund will be looking to bounce back against second division Union Berlin in the DFB-Pokal. UNB sit third in their league and haven’t lost a match all season. Here are the main points ahead of the German Cup clash.

Greuther Furth flashback

I nearly called a cup-set when Borussia Dortmund faced off against Greuther Furth. Simply put, there was not enough evidence that the match would end in a victory. It nearly didn’t, a 95th-minute goal from Axel Wistel forced extra time and the game-winner from Marco Reus came in 120th-minute.

It really looked as bad as it sounds for the late goals. Overall BVB took 30 shots and only 10 of those were on target. Missing two-thirds of total attempts to score was hard to watch. Yet, a win is a win.

But Borussia Dortmund have gotten a lot better since then. Lucien Favre and company will be hoping to beat Union Berlin comfortably. The result can always go either way though if Dortmund are not careful enough.

Expect plenty of rotation

I’m not saying this is a bad thing, but Lucien Favre’s players know how to score goals. 15 players have scored this season and they all look ready to score more. Yet, there are a few players who haven’t made it on to the team sheet yet.

There could be an opportunity for a few players that haven’t been given too many opportunities this season. Unfortunately, Jeremy Toljan is injured but I would like to see him play under Favre at least once during the regular season.

Alexander Isak and Sergio Gomez are not turning out for the senior team. Isak’s opportunities are slipping and he should be sent on loan if the youth squad isn’t working out. Gomez needs impressive games for the youth side of Borussia Dortmund. The senior midfield is stacked with talent as it is, he is unlikely to feature anytime soon.

However, the likes of Julian Weigl, Omer Toprak, Shinji Kagawa and Marius Wolf will be hoping to get some minutes on the pitch on Wednesday as they aim to get back into Lucien Favre’s plans.

Sancho’s shadow looking to cast over Pulisic

Christian Pulisic was the talk of the town under current PSG coach Thomas Tuchel. Jadon Sancho has taken that spot from Pulisic this season. Sancho’s path to popularity is actually similar to Pulisic is certain regards. It just so happens Sancho is having an amazing season.

Sancho is a wonderful talent for England as well. By the 2022 World Cup, he is set to be a key player for that squad. Pulisic has been dealt a difficult task in front of him. The most hyped American in the game is fighting for time on the pitch. He has 2 goals and 2 assist for the season, and he is capable of doing better than that.

He is expected to start on Wednesday and he will be hoping for a strong showing in order to force his way back into Dortmund’s regular starting XI.