Predicted Borussia Dortmund lineup vs FC Köln
By Tushar Bahl
Borussia Dortmund will look to return to winning ways as they go up against FC Köln in the Bundesliga this weekend.
Borussia Dortmund are set to go up against FC Köln in the Bundesliga on Saturday. The Black and Yellows were held to a 2-2 draw by Schalke 04 last weekend, and will be aiming to get a comfortable home win against FC Köln on matchday 25.
There are a number of injury concerns for Edin Terzic to deal with ahead of this weekend’s clash. Marco Reus is expected to return to the starting XI, but Emre Can is suspended. Julian Brandt, Gregor Kobel and Karim Adeyemi are also injury doubts.
The hope will be that Gregor Kobel can recover from his injury in time to start on Saturday. The Swiss international’s absence has been heavily felt in recent weeks. And having him back would be a big boost to the team. If Kobel isn’t able to feature on Saturday, Alexander Meyer will deputise in goal once again.
Niklas Süle should return to the starting XI after being given some rest last weekend. He will likely replace Mats Hummels in the side. Nico Schlotterbeck is set to start as Borussia Dortmund’s other centre-back.
Marius Wolf has become Borussia Dortmund’s first-choice right-back, and Julian Ryerson will likely start at left-back on Saturday.
With Emre Can unavailable, we will likely see Salih Özcan come into the team. The Turkish international will be eager to make an impact against his former club.
Raphael Guerreiro should keep his spot in midfield after impressing there against Schalke. Jude Bellingham had a difficult time in the Revierderby, but remains one of the few game-changers in the Borussia Dortmund squad. He will start in the number eight role against Köln.
Marco Reus is set to make his return to the starting XI after recovering from the illness that saw him miss the trip to Schalke. Donyell Malen could come into the starting XI in place of Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, who struggled against Schalke.
Sebastien Haller will likely start up front once again on Saturday despite his recent struggles in front of goal.
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Predicted Borussia Dortmund starting XI vs FC Köln: Kobel – Wolf, Süle, Schlotterbeck, Ryerson – Özcan, Bellingham, Guerreiro – Reus, Malen – Haller