Expected Borussia Dortmund lineup for TSG Hoffenheim clash

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Raphael Guerreiro. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) /

Defenders: Thomas Meunier, Manuel Akanji, Mats Hummels, Raphael Guerreiro

Marco Rose will likely stick with the same back four that played against St. Pauli, barring any late injuries or rotation.

Manuel Akanji made his return to the starting XI on Tuesday and should start again against Hoffenheim. It remains to be seen if the Swiss centre-back is fully fit yet following his recent knee surgery. But the importance of this game means that he will very likely be in the starting XI on Saturday.

Mats Hummels has been fairly solid since the turn of the year. And he will have to be at his best on Saturday against a Hoffenheim side that possesses a lot of quality in attack.

Thomas Meunier and Raphael Guerreiro should start as the two full-backs. The latter’s defensive lapses have hurt the Black and Yellows in recent games. But his back-up Nico Schulz is not enjoying the best of seasons either.