Borussia Dortmund fans were looking forward to a season which promised a great deal. Early results in the Bundesliga suggested they could mount a serious challenge at the top of the league this season but things have not panned out in the way many supporters imagined. Coming into this match at home with Schalke, Borussia Dortmund find themselves down in 5th place in the Bundesliga. Not only are they 9 points off the leaders Bayern Munich, they are also one place adrift of the Champions League qualifying places. If Borussia Dortmund fail to pick up maximum points from this one, the manager might be receiving a knock on his door.
Bundesliga – Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund – Tuesday 21st November – 14:30 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 10/3 at PaddyPower |
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Borussia Dortmund
SchalkeBorussia Dortmund Form
Borussia Dortmund crashed out of the Champions League in mid-week, losing 2-1 at home to Tottenham Hotspur, despite taking the lead in the game. It was their third straight defeat in competitive matches having lost to Bayern Munich and Stuttgart in the Bundesliga prior to that game. Borussia Dortmund have won just 1 of their last 9 matches in all competitions and that’s the reason why their manager is under pressure. There have been huge problems at the back for Borussia Dortmund this season and both teams have scored in 11 of their last 12 competitive games. They have also conceded goals in each of their last 6 home matches in all competitions.
Schalke Form
In complete contrast to their hosts, Schalke come into this match full of confidence having won 5 of their last 6 games, with the other match ending in a draw. They have 7 games without defeat and have won each of their last 3 away matches in all competitions, making them a dangerous opponent on the road. Schalke have been finding the back of the net consistently, scoring goals in each of their last 6 games but have also been performing well at the back, keeping 4 clean sheets in their last 5 Bundesliga matches. Schalke will believe they can take something form this match and remain in contention at the top of the table.
Team News
Borussia Dortmund have got several players on the treatment table and Erik Durm, Marco Reus, Sebastian Rode and Lukasz Piszczek will miss the game. The hosts also have doubts over defender Sokratis and goalkeeper Roman Burki. Schalke travel without Pablo Insua and Nabil Bentaleb who are both injured. Defender Benjamin Stambouli is struggling and could be replaced by Matija Nastasic but Schalke fans will be hoping Leon Goretzka is fit to start in midfield.
Top Betting Tips
There is huge pressure on Borussia Dortmund to win this match but Schalke start the game as the team in form and it would be a surprise to see them leave with nothing. Schalke/Draw double chance is on offer at 23/20 with Ladbrokes. While Schalke have been scoring goals in many of their recent games, it is rare they score more than a single goal in a game, which means coupled with their defensive record we could see a rare low scoring game at Signal Iduna Park. Under 2.5 goals is 7/5 with Ladbrokes. Leon Goretzka has scored 5 goals in his last 5 games for club and country and can be backed at 3/1 with Ladbrokes to score any time in this match.