Borussia Dortmund will face Bayer Leverkusen in a life-or-death match for Champions League football next season. With Freiburg's win over Holstein Kiel, which eventually relegated Kiel with one game to go, the Black and Yellows will need to win at the BayArena to maintain a one-point difference from fourth place. In case of a draw, BVB will have to hope for a Freiburg defeat at Matchday 34 against Frankfurt, while a defeat takes Dortmund out of the UCL contention.
In terms of the squad who will face Leverkusen, the only unavoidable absences will be Nico Schlotterbeck and Maxi Beier, who are both injured. According to RNBVB, Carney Chukwuemeka, Emre Can, and Jamie Gittens went to the team hotel and will be available for the match despite being spared from training on Friday. On Leverkusen's side, only Mukiele and Terrier are notable players who have been injured, besides Belocian, Sarco, and Hermoso.
Ultimately, it will be a tough matchup, especially during Xabi Alonso's farewell match at home. From a match with very little interest for Leverkusen in terms of table position, Alonso's departure at the end of the season will bring a competitive element for the homeowners. At the same time, BVB has more to lose in this one. Here are the predicted lineups for Borussia Dortmund, who will need to play to the level or above their recent form to get a win:
Predicted Borussia Dortmund Lineup vs Bayer Leverkusen (3-5-2)
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Gregor Kobel (GK) – Gregor Kobel is the unquestionable starter for Dortmund, and the Black and Yellows will definitely need his help in this one.
Niklas Süle (RCB) – Niklas Süle is hoping to continue his good run of form, as he will face a difficult opponent in Florian Wirtz on his side.
Waldemar Anton (CB) – Waldemar Anton could be key in the air for Borussia Dortmund, as he has also been in his best shape since joining BVB earlier this season.
Ramy Bensebaini (LCB) – Bensebaini had two good matches in a row against Hoffenheim and Wolfsburg, and he continues to start in the absence of Nico Schlotterbeck.
Midfield
Julian Ryerson (RWB) – Julian Ryerson will also likely start as his defensive work will be key to help Süle against Wirtz.
Felix Nmecha (CM) – Nmecha will probably start due to the lack of options in the midfield, as the German international has not recovered his beginning-of-the-season shape since returning from a long injury break.
Pascal Groß (CM) – Pascal Groß has been easily one of the most important players for Dortmund since Kovač came in, and BVB will need him to step up on and off the ball against a dynamic Leverkusen midfield.
Julian Brandt (CAM) – Julian Brandt is another one that seems to be trying to revive his Dortmund career, or to boost his stocks for the transfer window. Hopefully, Brandt will find the back of the net against his former club.
Daniel Svensson (LWB) – Daniel Svensson will definitely find one of his most challenging tests since he got the starting role. The rookie of the month will need to face Frimpong directly in this matchup.
Forwards
Serhou Guirassy (ST) – Serhou Guirassy has been pivotal for Dortmund this season, but it's in times like these that clutch players make their names. Hopefully, that will be the case.
Karim Adeyemi (ST) – Karim Adeyemi had an immediate impact against Wolfsburg, as he will be key in the absence of Maxi Beier to win duels and connect with Guirassy in central areas.