Absence of Yellow Wall won't impact BVB's swagger
Borussia Dortmund get their Bundesliga title challenge back up and running this Saturday when they host sixth placed Schalke. Dortmund have gone under the radar this season amongst strong form from RB Leipzing and Borussia Monchengladbach but snuck into second place just before football was suspended. The top end of the division is a mouth-watering picture, BVB are four points behind Bayern Munich top of the tree but also only four points ahead of Bayer Leverkusen in fifth and pushing to break into the Champions League qualification spots. With their individual quality all over the pitch Lucien Favre’s side are strong favourites taking on David Wagner’s blunt Royal Blues.
Background
With form going slightly out the window and a new season feel overhanging this weekend’s fixtures, let’s highlight some of the best performers in these two sides from before the suspension, after a little overview of how they were getting on immediately before the stoppage.
Dortmund had just crashed out of the Champions League at an empty Parc des Princes and will be without the Yellow Wall behind them on Saturday afternoon, nevertheless they have won four of there last five outings compared to Schalke losing three and drawing two. The Royal Blues have a relatively solid defensive record this term, the eighth best in the division having conceded 36 from 25 matches.
Ones to watch
The most eye-catching player in this fixture’s disposal is Jadon Sancho, the 20-year-old has been one of the breakout stars of world football in 2019/20 scoring 14 and assisting 15 domestically, he is certain for a place in the team of the season. Third in the scoring charts behind Timo Werner and Robert Lewandowski, the England international is a beast on the left wing. He has averaged 2.6 dribbles and 2.3 key passes each outing and could decide the outcome of proceedings on Saturday making the Schalke backline look silly.
To enhance BVB’s threat in front of goal even more is teenage sensation Erling Haaland, the Norwegian joined from RB Salzburg in January and to say he got off to a flyer would be an insult. His record stands at 12 goals in eight outings, and he will be hungry for more. Accompanied by Marco Reus and Thorgan Hazard Dortmund have the muscle to embarrass the Royal Blues in this encounter.
In continuing the youthful theme to this matchup, one of Schalke’s most consistent performers this season has been 21-year-old defensive midfielder Weston McKennie. He has already represented the USA 19 times scoring six, but his duties will be very different in this one. The versatile American averages 1.4 interceptions per game and his energy will be crucial to getting the visitors a foothold at Signal Iduna Park.
Dortmund will not be as ruthless without the weight of their home fans’ support, and yet they will have enough to beat a Schalke side whose league position flatters them.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Just about victory :-). A brilliant start from BVB, back with a bang, 4-0.