Borussia Dortmund are currently without superstar Mario Götze, but the rest of their lineup is finally healthy and together. Sven Bender and Neven Subotic have come back from the winter break healthy and quickly got back onto the pace, playing well in BVB’s two wins since the break. They travel away to face Nürnburg on Friday, and they will be favored to win.
Nürnberg Vs. Borussia Dortmund, 2012 Bundesliga Week 20: No Götze? No Problem.
Borussia Dortmund is without Mario Götze, but is still heavily favored to defeat a Nürnburg side who is still lacking a fully fit Timothy Chandler.
Bongarts/Getty Images
Kevin Grosskreutz and Jakub Blaszczykowski are starting on the wings in Götze’s absence, and they’ve been brilliant against both Hamburg and Hoffenheim. The two were first choice before Götze pushed Kuba to the bench, but they’ve rekindled their chemistry with each other and Shinji Kagawa. Der BVB looks no less formidable with Götze on the bench.
Dortmund are expected to make no changes to the team that defeated Hoffenheim last week. Nürnburg are unlikely to change from the starting XI that lost to Hannover last week, but there will be changes in the bench. Per Nilsson picked up an knee injury that will keep him out of the team, while American international Timothy Chandler has finally returned to full training. He is not believed to be 90 minutes fit, but will make the 18-man squad and could come in as a substitute at right back, left back or right midifeld if needed.
Nürnburg vs. Borussia Dortmund
Game Date/Time: Friday, February 3, 2:30 p.m. ET, 8:30 p.m. local
Venue: EasyCredit-Stadion, Nürnburg, Germany
TV: GolTV (USA and Canada), ESPN (UK)
See More:
