"Looking solid" - Fans react as BVB announce lineup for FC Tokyo clash

Borussia Dortmund have announced their lineup for today's encounter with FC Tokyo at the Japan National Stadium and fans are thrilled to see some of the first team stars back in the fold.

Head coach Niko Kovac has reinstated World Cup players such as Waldemar Anton, Felix Nmecha, Maximilian Beier, Daniel Svensson and Carney Chukwuemeka back into the XI as the quintet mark their first appearance of Dortmund's pre-season campaign.

We're also seeing Beier in his new position as the right wing-back instead of his usual place on the wings as Kovac had flirted the idea in the pre-match press conference with Julian Ryerson still out on vacation.

Striker Serhou Guirassy has returned to the bench after two disappointing outings as Fabio Silva is back as the lone striker for the first time since their first match against RW Oberhausen on 18 July.

For the first time this preseason, goalkeeper Alxander Meyer starts from the bench as Patrick Drewes has finally been given the chance to feature in the XI as Luca Reggiani and Jobe Bellingham are the only players to retain their place in the lineup from last time.

Unlike the last game, fans appeared more favorable of this XI by Kovac and made their thoughts clear on X:

One user called Chukwuebuka tweeted:

""Chukwuemeka my home boy is playing..I’m really happy , I wish I can watch this match but I’ll be following you guys on her..Please drop updates""

Another verified user said:

""Great looking XI for the Japan tour closer! 🟡⚫ Let’s go BVB, hope the young lads shine against Tokyo! 🇯🇵""

One fan approved the XI saying it looks 'solid':

""Looking solid 🔥 Hope the young lads put on a show tonight! 🟡⚫""

One urged Dortmund to go for the win:

""Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment, you have to win""

Another X user was hopeful that this lineup could perhaps end their losing run in the pre-season and win them a match again:

""Maybe we could, for a change, yeah, actually win a friendly match for once—it’d be really nice for a change 😅"
"

Borussia Dortmund play their second and final match of the BVB Evonik Japan Tour today after having lost to Cerezo Osaka in their first one on Wednesday. The side will return home to Dortmund after this and prepare for their next friendly against Arsenal in the Emirates Cup on 9 August.

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