Less than a week after a heartbreaking draw in Turin from blowing a two-goal Champions League lead in stoppage time to the hands of Juventus, BVB are back at it in league play this weekend as they host Wolfsburg at the Westfalenstadion tomorrow afternoon. It’s vital that Dortmund get back to their winning ways and not allow the midweek result to loom large as there’s so much season still ahead.
Wolfsburg are sitting middle of the pack thus far with a 1-2-0 record, good for just 5 points. After a solid road victory at Heidenheim to start the season, Die Wölfe gave up a last-minute PK goal to Mainz to lose out on 2 big points, and followed that up last week with an even bigger stinker, losing the lead twice in stoppage time for a 3-3 draw with FC Köln. So safe to say new manager Paul Simonis’s squad aren’t in the highest of spirits entering this Matchday 4 contest.
It’s absolutely key for The Black and Yellow to take all 3 points tomorrow, not just to quickly erase the bad taste those late Juventus goals left in their mouths, but because it’s a chance to gain on or possibly take control of the Bundesliga, as current leaders Bayern Munich visit a tough Hoffenheim squad later today, and you can’t pass up these opportunities that come every so often.
Also goes without saying it hasn’t been the kindest of starts to a season for BVB in terms of injuries. Manager Nico Kovac confirmed Süle, Can, and Duranville have already been ruled out for tomorrow’s clash. Nevertheless, there is good news. Newly acquired loanee Anselmino did complete part of yesterday’s session, so it remains to be seen whether or not he suits up. Fábio Silva also trained for the first time since his injury. And finally, Schlotterbeck trained fully with the squad and will be a sub if he feels good today. Should be seeing their return very shortly now.
In terms of Wolfsburg, they’ll be without the services of winger Kevin Paredes after he had foot surgery a month ago as well as CB Denis Vavro who is recovering from a serious muscle injury in the adductor area. Simonis expects them both back in 2 - 4 months. FB Rogério is also out as he continues his rehab in Brazil.
MATCHUP: Borussia Dortmund vs. VfL Wolfsburg
LOCATION: Signal Iduna Park (Westfalenstadion)
DATE: Sunday, September 21 | 10:30 am PT, 1:30 pm ET, 7:30 pm CEST