Borussia Dortmund are at the Signal Iduna Park for Saturday’s late kick-off versus Hoffenheim. Dortmund ended a run of eight games without a league win as they secured a 2-0 triumph at Mainz in Peter Stoeger’s first game in-charge. Similarly, Hoffenheim sealed a midweek victory over Stuttgart after Mark Uth popped up with the winner nine minutes from time. As a result, Dortmund are two points adrift of the Champions League places, and one behind Hoffenheim, who are just in front of them in the standings.
Players to watch for:
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Borussia Dortmund: The Gabon international has hit the headlines for his disciplinary issues. which have in turn linked him with a potential exit in the January transfer window, Despite this, the 28-year-old has not dropped his performance levels, and he has amassed 12 goals in just 14 league outings this term (ESPN). The marksman has failed to score in just of the last five games across all competitions, and he is certain to pose a threat to the Hoffenheim defence, which has been vulnerable unlike the previous campaign. Aubameyang has not lost any of his previous nine meetings with Hoffenheim, and he has contributed six goals and a solitary assist in this period.
Mark Uth – Hoffenheim: Uth managed nearly half of his games from the bench during the previous campaign, but he has taken his chances with both hands this time around. The 26-year-old has started 14 of his 15 league games this term, contributing eight goals and a solitary assist. Uth has the tendency to drill the ball towards goal using his brilliant left-foot, but his link-up play has also been impressive during the first-half of the campaign. The former Germany youth international has grabbed a single goal in three meetings versus Borussia Dortmund, who have not tasted defeat against Hoffenheim since the 2012/13 season.
Prediction:
A draw would not harm the prospects of either side prior to the winter break, Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Hoffenheim
Image – Getty
