Borussia Dortmund continue their preseason campaign with a match against FC Tokyo at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday.
The game marks their second and final of the BVB Evonik Japan Tour, with the Black and Yellow playing Cerezo Osaka on Wednesday that ended in a 1-0 defeat for them.
For the second outing on the bounce, Niko Kovac's side were beaten as fans were disgruntled by another disappointing performance from Dortmund.
Although some of their World Cup stars returned to the fold, Kovac opted to rest them yesterday. But according to managing director Lars Ricken, they are set to make a comeback for this one.
Maximilian Beier, Daniel Svensson, Felix Nmecha, Waldemar Anton and Carney Chukwuemeka could feature for Saturday's clash as the heat is on Kovac after back-to-back defeats.
As for FC Tokyo, the Blue and Reds were in action against Nagoya Grampus last week for their first match of the preseason and came away with a narrow 2-1 victory.
Just a week away from the 2026-27 J1 League season, the capital side will be looking to wrap up their preparations on a positive note here by pulling off a huge scalp.
FC Tokyo vs Borussia Dortmund: Team News
FC Tokyo
The hosts could go with a 4-4-2 lineup where Hayate Tanaka takes his place in-between the sticks. Young gin Rio Omori is gunning to start for a place in the XI.
Teenage duo Kio Tanaka and Kaede Suzuki are competing to feature in midfield while Motoki Nagakura and Marcelo Ryan could start upfront.
Borussia Dortmund
Carney Chukwuemeka may start in midfield while Felix Nmecha could be handed a chance off the bench. Joane Gadou impressed last time out against Osaka and could be rewarded for the same with another start as Kovac looks to integrate the new signing into the XI.
Filippo Mane went off with a discomfort last time out but should return here with Alexander Meyer retaining his place in goal for the fourth pre-season game in a row. After coming off the bench in the first game, Serhou Guirassy started their next two matches and Kovac could stick with him once more.
FC Tokyo vs Borussia Dortmund: Predicted XI
FC Tokyo Predicted Line-up: Hayate Tanaka; Sei Muroya, Alexander Scholz, Hayato Inamura, Kento Hashimoto; Yuta Sugawara, Kyota Tokiwa, Takahiro Ko, Kota Tawaratsumida; Marcelo Ryan, Motoki Nagakura.
Borussia Dortmund Predicted Line-up: Alexander Meyer; Joane Gadou, Filippo Mane, Luca Reggiani; Yan Couto, Jobe Bellingham, Carney Chukwuemeka, Almugera Kabar; Takato Yamamoto, Samuele Inacio; Serhou Guirassy.
FC Tokyo vs Borussia Dortmund: Prediction
Dortmund will be buoyed by the return of World Cup stars for this one and that should help them end their losing run. Tokyo are no pushovers but may go down fighting.
Prediction: FC Tokyo 1-2 Borussia Dortmund
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