Expected Borussia Dortmund lineup for TSG Hoffenheim clash

Borussia Dortmund will hope to deliver a much-improved overall performance as they go up against TSG Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga this weekend.

With their season in a bit of flux, Borussia Dortmund will hope to issue a statement of their top four credentials on Sunday. The Black and Yellows have a string of tricky fixtures coming up, and they will aim to get some momentum back on side after two straight draws, starting with the home game against Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.

Edin Terzic revealed during his pre-match press conference that Gregor Kobel will miss Sunday's game due to muscular problems. Sebastien Haller and Felix Nmecha are also sidelined, with Niklas Süle a doubt due to illness. Here we take a look at how Borussia Dortmund could line up against TSG Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.

With Kobel unavailable, Alexander Meyer will start in goal once again for Borussia Dortmund on Sunday. The second-choice goalkeeper has done a solid job whenever called upon, and will hope to keep that run going on Sunday.

Julian Ryerson will start at right-back once again, with Ian Maatsen expected to slot in at left-back unless Terzic decides to rest him in favor of Ramy Bensebaini.

Süle is dealing with an illness and may not be fit in time for Sunday. So Mats Hummels and Nico Schlotterbeck are likely to continue their partnership in the heart of the BVB defence.

Emre Can has come under plenty of criticism in recent games, and will hope to produce a much-improved performance in defensive midfield against Hoffenheim. Marcel Sabitzer is also likely to keep his place in midfield. The Austrian international has done a fairly decent job overall since his move from Bayern to BVB.

Julian Brandt could come into the starting XI in place of Marco Reus, with Donyell Malen also set to start in the front four.

It will be interesting to see if Jadon Sancho keeps his place in the starting XI after a difficult few games. The Englishman has yet to score his first goal since joining on loan from Manchester United in January. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens could come into the team if Terzic decides to bench Sancho.

Niclas Füllkrug will start up front, where he will hope to continue his strong goalscoring run in the Bundesliga. Youssoufa Moukoko remains in reserve, having seen his minutes dry up in recent weeks.

Expected Borussia Dortmund starting XI vs Hoffenheim: Meyer - Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen - Can, Sabitzer, Brandt - Malen, Sancho, Füllkrug