Predicted Borussia Dortmund line up vs 1. FC Phönix Lübeck

Borussia Dortmund will start their season and the Nuri Sahin era with a DFB-Pokal first round tie against Regionalliga outfit Phönix Lübeck. Following the arrival of important signings as well as a good run of results and performances in pre-season, the mood surrounding the club is a positive one. Here we take a look at how the Black and Yellows could line up in what will be Sahin’s first competitive game in charge at his boyhood club.

GK: Gregor Kobel - Kobel is expected to start his fourth season at Borussia Dortmund in goal against Lübeck. The Swiss goalkeeper has so far put on scintillating displays and will hope to continue his fine run of form. Even though he is no longer the vice-captain, he will still be expected to be among the leading group of the club.

RB: Yan Couto - The 22 year old Brazilian right-back is expected to make his competitive debut on Saturday. He played the first-half of the friendly against Aston Villa and will have to fight for his position as Julian Ryerson is another option for the role. However, Couto appears set to start the season at right-back.

CB: Waldemar Anton - The new signing from Stuttgart is also expected to make the starting XI on Saturday. After his excellent season with the Swabians, Anton will hope to cement himself as a regular starter at Borussia Dortmund.

CB: Nico Schlotterbeck - After the departure of Mats Hummels, Schlotterbeck will now be expected to be the main man in central defence for Borussia Dortmund. He will also hope to start ahead of Niklas Süle on Saturday, although the former Bayern man could also be in contention after a solid pre-season.

Left-Back: Ramy Bensebaini - With Yan Couto’s signing there are two solid players for the right-back position. However, the team still has issues at left-back. Bensebaini is yet to convince since his move from Borussia Mönchengladbach. It will be interesting to see if Sahin goes with the Algerian international or Ryerson in that role on Saturday.