Expected Borussia Dortmund lineup vs TSG Hoffenheim

Borussia Dortmund will be looking to progress to the third round of the DFB-Pokal this week, but a tough test against TSG Hoffenheim awaits them.

The games keep on coming for Borussia Dortmund, and Edin Terzic’s side will be in action against TSG Hoffenheim in the second round of the DFB-Pokal this week. The Black and Yellows will hope for a repeat of their 3-1 win from when these two sides met in September. But Hoffenheim have plenty of quality in their squad, and could spring a surprise on Wednesday.

The injury concerns are mounting for Borussia Dortmund, with Gregor Kobel, Mats Hummels, Felix Nmecha and Emre Can all doubts going into the Hoffenheim game. Although there are promising signs over the availability of the veteran centre-back.

Here we take a look at how Borussia Dortmund could line up for their DFB-Pokal second round clash against TSG Hoffenheim.

With Gregor Kobel a doubt after picking up a facial injury against Eintracht Frankfurt, second-choice goalkeeper Alexander Meyer could line up between the sticks for BVB on Wednesday.

In defence, we will probably see Niklas Süle start at centre-back with Mats Hummels in line for a breather even if he manages to recover from his calf issue. Nico Schlotterbeck will likely start alongside Süle with no other natural centre-backs in the first-team squad.

Ramy Bensebaini had a torrid time on Sunday, but could well keep his place in the starting XI due to a lack of alternatives. Julian Ryerson should replace Marius Wolf at right-back.

Emre Can is a doubt going into Wednesday’s game, so Salih Özcan should start in defensive midfield. The Hoffenheim game will give him the perfect opportunity to stake a case for a starting spot in Der Klassiker this weekend.

Marcel Sabitzer is also expected to feature in midfield on Wednesday, fresh from his goal against Eintracht Frankfurt. Julian Brandt will likely return to the starting XI to complete the midfield trio for Borussia Dortmund against Hoffenheim.

We could see a few tweaks to the front three as well, with Karim Adeyemi potentially in line for a start after impressing off the bench against Eintracht Frankfurt. Donyell Malen should also keep his place in the team, although one of Marco Reus and Gio Reyna could play instead if Terzic decides to rest the Dutch forward.

Youssoufa Moukoko deserves a chance to play from the start, and will hope to finally get the opportunity against Hoffenheim on Wednesday. Niclas Füllkrug and Sebastien Haller are the other strikers in the Borussia Dortmund ranks.

Expected Borussia Dortmund Starting XI vs TSG Hoffenheim: Meyer – Ryerson, Süle, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini – Özcan, Sabitzer, Brandt – Malen, Adeyemi, Moukoko