Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke 04: Expected Starting XI for crucial Revierderby

Wing-backs and Midfielders: Raphael Guerreiro, Thomas Delaney, Jude Bellingham, Felix Passlack

Raphael Guerreiro is one of the first names on the team-sheet when fit and has a history of scoring against Schalke after he notched two last season in Dortmund’s 4-0 win.

On the other side of the pitch, we could see Felix Passlack or Mateu Morey jump into the wing-back role. Thomas Meunier has been completely underwhelming and has had more negative impacts than positives so far. Maybe getting him off the firing line and giving him a bit of rest will help him rediscover his form. Passlack will certainly be up for the derby, and should be the starter.

The Dortmund midfield also underwhelmed against Lazio and Axel Witsel had a rare average performance. We have seen in recent years when Witsel doesn’t get a break his quality starts to dip a bit. Not a knock on Witsel, he just realistically can’t keep a high level without a break every once in a while.

With defensive reinforcements available, Delaney can fill in for Witsel in defensive midfield. Delaney’s style of play also really fits the typical aggressiveness of the Revierderby, and it usually brings the best out of him. Alongside Delaney hopefully will be Julian Brandt, who had arguably his best game in a Dortmund shirt in the previous meeting between these two sides. Jude Bellingham could also get the start here, as he was taken off at half time in the CL game.