Key Takeaways
- Borussia Mönchengladbach aim to secure their top-flight status with only three matches remaining in the campaign.
- Borussia Dortmund target second place after confirming their Champions League spot with a 4-0 win over Freiburg.
- Both managers face selection dilemmas ahead of this historic rivalry at Borussia Park.
The Bundesliga serves up another edition of the Battle of the Borussias this Sunday. Borussia Mönchengladbach welcome their rivals from Dortmund to Borussia Park for a Matchday 32 fixture that kicks off at 17:30 CET.
The hosts enter this contest after sharing the spoils with VfL Wolfsburg in a goalless draw. Although they failed to secure maximum points, that result keeps them seven points above the drop zone. With only three games remaining in the campaign, every point matters for Eugen Polanski’s side as they look to preserve their top-flight status.
However, confidence may be low in the Gladbach camp. The team has not celebrated a victory since defeating FC St. Pauli in mid-March. Polanski knows his players must rediscover their winning touch quickly.
History offers some encouragement for the home supporters. Borussia Park has proven a difficult venue for Dortmund in recent seasons. Gladbach have emerged victorious in three of the last five meetings against BVB on their own turf, drawing one and losing just once.
The injury situation looks manageable for the hosts. Only Tim Kleindienst misses out due to fitness concerns. Jens Castrop sits this one out through suspension after seeing red against Wolfsburg last weekend.
Polanski will likely stick with Nicolas in goal. Sander, Elvedi, and Diks should form the back three. Scally and Ullrich are expected to operate as wing-backs, flanking Reitz, Engelhardt, and Stöger in midfield. Up front, Honorat and Tabakovic should lead the line.
Turning to the visitors, Borussia Dortmund arrive in high spirits following a dominant 4-0 victory over SC Freiburg. That performance halted a run of two consecutive defeats and guaranteed their place in next season’s Champions League.
Serhou Guirassy stole the headlines with a brace, ending his mini goal drought. The match also saw young talents Samuele Inácio and Mathis Albert make their senior debuts for the Black and Yellows.
Manager Niko Kovač has his sights set on second place. After finishing fourth and fifth in the previous two campaigns, securing the runners-up spot would represent clear progress for the club. Three points in Gladbach would take them closer to that target.
The defensive department concerns Kovač, who confirmed Ramy Bensebaini will not travel. The squad currently has only two fully fit centre-backs available. Despite their poor recent record at Borussia Park, Dortmund will fancy their chances against a struggling Gladbach side.
The absentee list includes Emre Can with an ACL injury, Niklas Süle nursing a knee problem, Ramy Bensebaini carrying a knock, and Felix Nmecha lacking match fitness. On a brighter note, Yan Couto returns after illness, while Karim Adeyemi might feature following his recovery.
Between the sticks, Kobel should start. Reggiani could deputise alongside Anton and Schlotterbeck in defence. The midfield engine room may comprise Ryerson, Sabitzer, and Bellingham. Brandt and Inácio are likely to support Guirassy in attack.