On Saturday, May 3, 2025, Borussia Dortmund will face VfL Wolfsburg at the Signal Iduna Park in a crucial Bundesliga clash. Kick-off is set for 12:30 PM ET as the Black and Yellows aim to solidify their push for Champions League qualification.
Currently sitting in sixth place, Borussia Dortmund has experienced a remarkable turnaround in form since Niko Kovac took charge earlier this year. They have climbed up from 11th place and are now just three points shy of the coveted top four, which would secure a spot in the Champions League. The Opta supercomputer gives Dortmund a 27% chance of finishing in the top four, while rivals Freiburg, who occupy the fourth position, are rated at a 50% likelihood of holding on to their spot.
In their last five Bundesliga matches, Dortmund has collected an impressive 13 points, winning four and drawing one. Their latest victory came against Hoffenheim, where they edged out a thrilling 3-2 win. This run of form has instilled confidence in the squad, and the home fans will be expecting a strong performance against a struggling Wolfsburg side.
Wolfsburg, on the other hand, has been in a dire situation, currently sitting in 12th place and on a seven-match winless streak. Ralph Hasenhüttl's men have managed to pick up just two points from their last six league games, including a disappointing 0-1 loss to Freiburg in their most recent outing. With injuries and suspensions plaguing the squad, Wolfsburg's hopes of a European qualification have all but evaporated.
In terms of team news, Borussia Dortmund will be without Nico Schlotterbeck, who is sidelined with a muscle tear, and Marcel Sabitzer, who is recovering from a knee issue. However, the return of key players like Emre Can and the in-form Serhou Guirassy should bolster their chances. Guirassy has been a standout performer this season, leading the team with 17 goals from 29 shots. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial as Dortmund looks to capitalize on Wolfsburg's defensive vulnerabilities.
Wolfsburg will miss their captain Maximilian Arnold due to a red card suspension, adding to their woes. The visitors will also be without several key players, including Marius Muller, Kevin Paredes, and Mattias Svanberg, due to injuries. This leaves Hasenhüttl with limited options as he tries to find a way to upset the odds against Dortmund.
Historically, Dortmund has had the upper hand over Wolfsburg, winning their last six home matches against them in all competitions. In fact, Dortmund has not lost to Wolfsburg at home since 2012, with a record of nine wins and two draws in their last 11 Bundesliga encounters at Signal Iduna Park. The last time Wolfsburg managed to score at this venue was back in the 2016-17 season, which adds to the pressure on the visitors.
As for the tactical setup, Dortmund is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Gregor Kobel in goal and a backline featuring Niklas Süle, Waldemar Anton, and Ramy Bensebaini. The midfield will see Emre Can and Felix Nmecha providing support, while Julian Brandt, Karim Adeyemi, and Guirassy will lead the attack.
Wolfsburg, on the other hand, may adopt a 3-5-1-1 formation, with Kamil Grabara in goal and a defensive trio of Konstantinos Koulierakis, Denis Vavro, and Kilian Fischer. Bence Dardai and Yannick Gerhardt are expected to anchor the midfield, while Jonas Wind and Mohamed Amoura will look to provide attacking support.
With both teams in contrasting form, the pressure is on Borussia Dortmund to deliver a strong performance at home. Fans will be eager to see if their team can extend its winning streak and continue their pursuit of Champions League football.
As the match approaches, excitement builds, and the stakes couldn't be higher for both teams. Will Dortmund continue their resurgence and secure a vital three points, or can Wolfsburg pull off a surprise upset? Only time will tell as the two sides clash in what promises to be an enthralling encounter.
