Three talking points ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s season opener against MSV Duisburg

What formation will Lucien Favre go with?

This has been the biggest topic of discussion among Borussia Dortmund fans, pundits and journalists alike throughout pre-season. Lucien Favre used a back four for the first six pre-season games, to mixed results. But he reverted back to the three-chain system for the final game of pre-season.

The first competitive game of the new season will give us a better idea of the Swiss tactician’s plans for the upcoming campaign. Favre has never been shy about his preference to play with a back four. But the players (and likely the management) prefer the three at the back formation, which gives the team more freedom and defensive security, as we witnessed last season.

So will Favre go with the formation he is more comfortable with? Or will he stick with the change to the system which clearly worked last season? After seeing his team struggle during pre-season, it is now likely that we will see Borussia Dortmund line up with a back three. But playing against a lower league opponent could tempt Favre into going with his favoured back four formation.