Friday night epic at Borussia-Park?
Two of the Bundesliga’s top four from last season go head-to-head this Friday evening at Borussia-Park. Much fancied to be the next Borussia Dortmund manager Marco Rose will be hoping his Gladbach side can bring the form they showed against Bayern Munich last time out at home, showing excellent team spirit to come from two goals down to win 3-2. Despite impressing by progressing in the Champions League Gladbach have flattered to deceive domestically, currently sitting in eighth spot, four points behind fourth placed Dortmund. The visitors come as favourites as they once again look one of the most likely sides to challenge Bayern Munich for the league title, if any team is to.
Process
The hosts have been unfortunate to see a mega defensive underperformance, possibly the form of Yann Sommer can be pointed towards as the side have let in 26 goals from 22.7 expected goals. Ranking 13th for goals conceded by seventh for the latter metric, they will be hoping to limit the opportunities that fall to the likes of Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland come Friday evening. They have been trending in sixth in terms of attacking data, scoring 30 from 29.8 expected, numbers that will have to improve if they are to make a top four dart in the second half of the campaign.
Dortmund sit behind RB Leipzig in second place of the expected goals table, with league leaders Bayern in third. They have underperformed narrowly in both boxes this season, contributing to their fourth position in the standings. Edin Terzic’s men have scored 32 from 33.4 expected, second for both measures, and conceded 20 from 18.4 expected ranking them fourth. The defence must improve if they are to push Bayern once again.
Goals?
Definitely on the cards for me, these sides boast very potent attacking contingents and will rise to the occasion. This match feels bigger for Monchengladbach who need to recover some form while they do not have European football to prioritise and must start to close the gap between them and the top four.
- Gladbach have scored in nine of 10.
- Gladbach have conceded in eight of 10.
- Gladbach have seen both teams score in seven of 10.
- Gladbach have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of 10.
- Dortmund have scored in 10 of 10.
- Dortmund have conceded in eight of 10,
- Dortmund have seen both teams score in eight of 10.
- Dortmund have seen over 2.5 goals in five of 10.
Hopefully this one lives up to the billing, with both teams a lot more comfortable on the front foot we could kick off the weekend with a cracker.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
This beauty was in by half time, back to the drawing board for Dortmund, Gladbach ran out 4-2 winners.