Freiburg are looking for their third straight victory on Saturday when Borussia Dortmund visit the Mage Solar Stadion. While they did play the 15th and 18th sides in the last two matches, Freiburg did score five goals and keep clean sheets in the two contests. The defending champions will be a tad bit stronger opponents, and Christian Streich will need a solid plan of attack to beat BVB.
Freiburg vs. Borussia Dortmund: Preview and TV schedule
The champions are coming off of a massive 2-1 victory midweek at home over Real Madrid in the Champions League. However, they've yet to win away from home in the league so far this season. They were also unable to win their league matches after their first two Champions League matches. Coincidentally, both of those matches were on the road. Ilkay Gundogan is expected to return to the starting lineup. The win over Real Madrid was their first this season without him in the starting eleven.
The past is against Freiburg as they’ve only defeated Borussia Dortmund three times ever. Yes, you read that right. The match is also a must win for BVB if they have any hopes of getting back into this title race. After only 8 league matches, they already sit 12 points behind leaders Bayern Munich. The player to watch in the match will be BVB’s Poland international Robert Lewandowski. After a slow start to the season, Lewandowski has now scored in three straight appearances for BVB and will be looking to make it four against Freiburg.
Freiburg injuries and suspensions
Out: Jan Rosenthal (knee). In doubt: Matthias Ginter (back), Oliver Sorg (leg).
Freiburg are hoping that Ginter and Sorg will be ready to start the match against BVB. Both returned to training late in the week. The only player expected to be absent is Jan Rosenthal who’s been out for some time.
Borussia Dortmund injuries and suspensions
Out: Jakub Blaszczykowski (ankle), Sven Bender (calf). In Doubt: Mario Götze (calf).
Both Sven Bender and Mario Götze came off during the midweek Champions League match with Real Madrid with calf injuries. Götze, however, is fit enough that he’s likely to play against Freiburg while Bender hasn’t recovered in time for the match. The only other player that won’t take part in the match is Jakub Blaszczykowski who is facing a few more weeks on the sideline after injuring his ankle.
Match Date/Time: 2:30 p.m. local, 9:30 a.m. ET
Venue: Mage Solar Stadion, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
TV: Gol TV (U.S. & Canada)
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