Borussia Dortmund visit the Red Bull Arena tomorrow in a vital Bundesliga clash against RB Leipzig.
Trailing leaders Bayern Munich by only six points ahead of their massive showdown next weekend, BVB will be hoping to continue their winning run here.
Niko Kovac's side have triumphed in their last six consecutive Bundesliga games, marking their best run in the competition in almost three years.
With such momentum under their belt, Die Schwarzgelben will be confident of their chances tomorrow despite a record of four defeats from last six clashes to Leipzig.
Dortmund without Schlotterbeck
The visitors will have their task cutout without talismanic defender Nico Schlotterbeck. The 26-year-old was nursing muscle problems lately and has although returned to training, Dortmund are cautious against fielding him with two important games coming up next week against Atalanta and Bayern.
Kovac offered a health update on the star during a recent press conference:
"“He does want to play, but we have to be sensible. That’s why he will miss the Leipzig game. We'll see regarding the games against Atalanta and Bayern.""said the Croatian manager
Schlotterbeck has been a vital figure in Dortmund's backline with his leadership qualities and excellent game-reading ability while also occasionally popping up with a goal or two.
He sat out of their clash to Atalanta in the first leg this week but the BVB managed to come away without any hassle, mustering a vital clean sheet in the tie.
Dortmund Team News
Kovac will be hoping for similar fortunes again. Besides, skipper Emre Can (adductor) is on the sidelines again as his injury-riddled campaign continued while Niklas Sule (hamstring) and Filippo Mane (muscle) are also unavailable for selection.
However, 18-year-old Luca Reggiani could be headed for another start in defense tomorrow after displaying a composed and reliable performance against La Dea in the midweek. His calming disposition would be vital in keeping their defense stable in a high-stakes game like this.
Swiss custodian Gregor Kobel could start again, having kept 11 clean sheets in 22 league games and conceding only 20 goals. Ahead of him would be the back-three of Reggiani, Waldemar Anton and Ramy Bensebaini.
Assist-king Julian Ryerson will be joined by Marcel Sabitzer, Felix Nmecha and Daniel Svensson in the midfield whereas in-form Serhou Guirassy will be leading the line with Maximilian Beier and Julian Brandt operating behind him.
Dortmund's probable starting XI: Kobel; Reggiani, Anton, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson; Beier, Brandt, Guirassy.