Predicted Borussia Dortmund lineup for Union Berlin clash
By Tushar Bahl
Borussia Dortmund will be without in-form forward Donyell Malen for their Bundesliga clash against Union Berlin this weekend.
A crunch clash against Union Berlin awaits Borussia Dortmund this weekend, and anything other than a win would certainly spark more calls for Edin Terzic to be sacked. The BVB head coach will be facing some selection headaches ahead of the game, with Donyell Malen suspended and Gregor Kobel injured.
The form (or lack thereof) of several key players makes the situation even more complicated for Terzic. Here we take a look at how Borussia Dortmund could line up for their Bundesliga clash against Union Berlin.
Games against Union Berlin away from home are usually not easy for Borussia Dortmund. And with Gregor Kobel sidelined, Alexander Meyer will have to be alert at all times between the sticks.
Nico Schlotterbeck had a poor game against Hoffenheim, but will likely keep his place in the starting XI. Niklas Süle is fit again and could come straight back into the team.
Julian Ryerson and Ian Maatsen both showed signs of tiredness last weekend. The hope will be that with a week of rest, the two full-backs will be back in form against Union Berlin.
Emre Can has come under plenty of criticism and will likely start in midfield on Saturday. The Borussia Dortmund captain desperately needs a strong performance to get some confidence back on side.
Marcel Sabitzer will once again start in the number eight role, with Julian Brandt likely to play in attacking midfield.
Donyell Malen's suspension could pave the way for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens to return to the side. Jadon Sancho has struggled for form since his loan move to Borussia Dortmund, and could start on the bench on Saturday. Marco Reus helped set up both of BVB's goals last weekend, and deserves another shot in the starting XI.
Leading the line will be Niclas Füllkrug, who will be keen to find the back of the net this weekend after struggling against Hoffenheim.
Expected Borussia Dortmund Lineup vs Union Berlin: Meyer - Ryerson, Süle, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen - Can, Sabitzer, Brandt - Reus, Bynoe-Gittens - Füllkrug