Sabah FK vs. Borussia Dortmund preview: Team news and predicted lineups
| Photo by Maryam Majd/Getty Images |
After a six-match winning streak, Borussia Dortmund have hit a slump, going three games without a win. Their most recent outing saw them settle for a frustrating 0-0 draw against 1. FC Union Berlin in the Bundesliga over the weekend.
With criticism of Dortmund's performances and their playing style under Niko Kovac growing, pressure is mounting on the Black and Yellows to return to winning ways as they travel to Azerbaijan for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Sabah FK.
Dortmund will be expected to win, although Sabah will approach the match with plenty of confidence after securing their first-ever victory in Europe’s premier club competition with a 2-0 win over Slavia Prague last week, followed by a convincing 4-0 domestic victory over Gabala.
BVB sporting director Ole Book acknowledged the team’s recent struggles following Saturday’s goalless draw against Union Berlin, while also highlighting signs of improvement.
“Sure, we’d been on a better run before, especially in terms of results. It was a tough away game, and we may have lacked a bit of freshness. Though I did think it went much better, especially in terms of attitude,” Book said.
Looking ahead to the clash in Baku, Book emphasised the importance of learning from recent setbacks.
“It’s also a test of willpower – it’ll be 25 degrees there. That’s where we can show what lessons we’ve learned and that the UEFA Champions League match in Norway was just a slip-up. We’ve just been given the opportunity to learn and improve together as a team. We’re eager to take it," Book said.
Team news and predicted lineups:
Sabah are not expected to have any new injury concerns ahead of the match. Borussia Dortmund, however, will be without youngster Konstantinos Karetsas, who suffered a foot injury in Saturday’s 0-0 draw against 1. FC Union Berlin.
Meanwhile, Emre Can and Giannis Konstantelias remain sidelined with long-term knee injuries.
Click here to see our predicted Sabah FK vs. Borussia Dortmund lineups.
