The Bundesliga returns with a bang as Borussia Dortmund hosts Bayer Leverkusen under the dazzling lights of Signal Iduna Park this Friday.
Dortmund, sitting sixth with 25 points from 15 matches, are hungry to reignite their title ambitions. They’ll be riding high after a thrilling 3-1 victory over Wolfsburg in their last outing before the break.
But standing in their way is a relentless Leverkusen side, perched in second place with 32 points, just four off the summit. With the stakes sky-high and both teams desperate to assert dominance, expect fireworks in this showdown that promises to set the tone for the second half of the season.
Borussia Dortmund return to Signal Iduna Park with their fortress-like home record on the line, eager to reignite their charge in the Bundesliga.
With six wins and two draws at home this season, the Black and Yellows remain unbeaten on their turf, but those two recent draws have left a bitter taste. Determined to defend their stronghold, Dortmund will need to be at their best against formidable opposition.
While the injury crisis has eased, setbacks remain: Pascal Gross is suspended after his red card, and Niklas Süle is sidelined with an ankle injury. Still, Dortmund's lineup boasts firepower. Expect Gregor Kobel to command the goal, flanked by stalwarts Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck in defense. Emre Can and Felix Nmecha will anchor the midfield, while the dynamic Jamie Bynoe-Gittens adds a spark to the attack alongside Serhou Guirassy and the ever-creative Julian Brandt.
In a clash of grit and ambition, Dortmund will fight to turn their home into a fortress once again.
DORTMUND predicted lineup vs LEVERKUSEN: Kobel (GK); Ryerson, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Nmecha, Can; Bynoe-Gittens, Brandt, Beier; Guirassy.
Bayer Leverkusen are storming through the Bundesliga this season, but the pressure is on as they chase Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich, sitting just four points off the summit.
With Patrik Schick fresh off a dazzling performance, the in-form striker will be hunting for more goals to keep Leverkusen in the title hunt. Unbeaten away from home, Leverkusen have claimed four wins and three draws, but those stalemates have slowed their momentum. Now, they’ll need to deliver on the road in one of the league’s toughest atmospheres.
Injuries loom over the squad, with Amine Adli ruled out and a race against time for Victor Boniface, who faces a late fitness test. If Boniface misses out, expect Schick to lead the charge, backed by the dynamic duo of Florian Wirtz and Nathan Tella.
At the back, the reliable trio of Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapié are likely to hold the fort in front of the ever-solid Lukas Hradecky. Meanwhile, midfield maestro Granit Xhaka remains a doubt, but if he features, he’ll bring steel and experience alongside Exequiel Palacios.
Leverkusen head to Dortmund ready to prove they’re more than just contenders—they’re here to challenge for the crown.
LEVERKUSEN predicted lineup vs DORTMUND: Hradecky (GK); Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo; Tella, Wirtz; Schick.
The Bundesliga’s winter break ends with a bang as Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen lock horns in a clash dripping with drama and stakes. Neither side can afford to stumble in their pursuit of glory, making this a must-watch showdown at Signal Iduna Park.
Dortmund boasts the league’s best home record, but cracks have begun to show with two frustrating draws in their last outings. On the flip side, Leverkusen marches into enemy territory unbeaten on the road, determined to keep their title dreams alive.
Both teams thrive in high-octane battles, with their matches often delivering goals on both ends.
Prediction: Draw & both teams to score.
DORTMUND VS LEVERKUSEN
5.43
DRAW & BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
