Dortmund against Leverkusen: Is the master pressure too big?

On Friday evening, Borussia Dortmund meets Bayer Leverkusen in the Westfalenstadion, which resumes the Bundesliga game company after a three-week break. Dortmund currently occupies sixth place in the table with 25 points after 15 match days, which does not meet your own requirements. In the home table, the team took first place after eight games with 20 points and has not yet to accept defeat - the only weakness show the two draws against Werder Bremen and FC Bayern Munich.

Bayer Leverkusen, current second in the table, presented itself strongly this season and recently won in the Champions League against Inter Milan. The team also attracts attention with a draw against Bayern Munich in the league and the departure of Bayern from the DFB Cup. Trainer Nuri Sahin from Dortmund emphasizes that Leverkusen has players like Florian Wirtz and Patrik Schick, who can influence games at crucial moments.

situation of the teams

The Dortmund situation is significantly different compared to two years ago when they lost the championship title. This season they were unable to convince against some strong opponents like Werder Bremen and Mainz. Referee Sascha Stegemann will not be able to take over the management of the game due to illness; Tobias Stieler will represent him.

In the current winter transfer period, Donyell is the focus of Aston Villa's interest. Trainer Nuri Sahin confirmed that painting will be part of the squad and will have a good chance of a place in the starting eleven. However, Dortmund has to do without Pascal Gross (blocked), Waldemar Anton (sick) and Niklas Süle (in the long term injured), while Marcel Sabitzer resumed training after injury. Sahin emphasizes that a victory against Leverkusen would be important for the table and reminds that Dortmund has cut off well against strong opponents in the past.

Bayer Leverkusen has shown a strong form in the last games and was able to win eight wins in all competitions. Sahin also praised the work of Xabi Alonso, who stabilized and improved the team. Dortmund is unbeaten in the Bundesliga at home and last won 3-1 against Wolfsburg in December.