Bochum vs. Dortmund preview: The season’s first Revierderby
Bochum, who helped ruin Dortmund’s title hopes last season, hope to rekindle some of that home magic in a big derby match.
Bochum
Bochum lost in the first round of the DFB-Pokal and were destroyed 5-0 against Stuttgart last weekend. It doesn't get any easier this time around with BVB coming to town. They're still trying to make some signings as Bochum notably brought back Freiburg’s Keven Schlotterbeck on loan this week to hopefully shore up their leaky defense.
It's a reunion on Matchday 2 for Felix Passlack, who's playing against Dortmund for the first time since leaving the club. All eyes will be on the front three of newly-extended Hofmann, Asano, and Antwi-Adjei, who will need to convert whatever chances they get.
Thomas Letsch said, “In the aftermath and in the analysis of the Stuttgart game, we were very much in agreement, players and coaches. We now have the underdog role again on Saturday. It may be that these tasks are somewhat easier for us.”
Team News
Michael Esser, Luis Hartwig and Philipp Förster are out, while Moritz-Broni Kwarteng is doubtful.
Dortmund
BVB narrowly defeated Köln to open their campaign and face another gettable team in Bochum this week. Nico Schlotterbeck didn’t play on Matchday 1 and it’s expected that Edin Terzic sticks with Niklas Süle and Mats Hummels at the back again.
Marcel Sabitzer and captain Emre Can will likely continue as the midfield pair, but there are concerns over the fitness of right-back Julian Ryerson. Marius Wolf could come in to replace him.
When asked about Bochum, Terzic said, "When you talk about derbies, everyone thinks of Dortmund against Schalke. But in recent years, you've sensed how important the game is for Bochum. And we still have something to make up for."
Team News
Ryerson is questionable, while Gio Reyna should be in the squad after participating in training this week.