How Borussia Dortmund Will Line Up Against Nurnberg

Borussia Dortmund will aim to rebound from last week's shock 3-0 loss to Hamburg this Saturday as they host Nurnberg at the Signal-Iduna Park.

BVB capitulated spectacularly against relegation candidates HSV in Mirko Slomka's first match in charge of the northern club, but were 4-2 winners over Zenit in St. Petersburg three days later in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.

Nurnberg went without a win for the first half of the season but have since advanced to 12th, a loss to Bayern being the only mark on what has otherwise been a perfect start to the 2014 calendar year. The Franconian club will be keen to claim the scalp of one of Germany's most acclaimed, yet fragile, teams.

As Saturday approaches, here's a look at the first XI Juergen Klopp is most likely to field:

Goalkeeper: Roman Weidenfeller

Roman Weidenfeller has rarely ever missed a game in recent years, and with Dortmund teetering dangerously close to falling out of the Bundesliga's Champions League positions, there is no question that the vice-captain will start. An experienced veteran, Weidenfeller provides poise and composure to his young, less-experienced teammates.

Right-Back: Lukasz Piszczek

With Kevin Grosskreutz expected to start in midfield, Lukasz Piszczek has no competition for a role on the right of defense. The Polish full-back has made progress since since returning from injury in November and is once again a reliable starter.

Centre-Back: Manuel Friedrich

With Sokratis ailing from a knock to his ankle, Manuel Friedrich is set to retain his starting role at center-back for BVB. The veteran came out of retirement in November and initially struggled, but has since developed into a useful role player in a Dortmund defense that has been plagued by injuries.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

Centre-Back: Mats Hummels

Left out of the Dortmund squad to face Zenit on Tuesday, Mats Hummels is set to make his long-awaited return to action this weekend. The center-back has suffered from repeated injuries this season, but is fit again and will need match practice as soon as possible; he's been sorely missed and BVB need him at his best as they prepare for the most important matches of the season.

Left-Back: Marcel Schmelzer

Marcel Schmelzer is the only Dortmund defender to have started every match of the 2014 calendar year, and he is set to extend his run this Saturday with a start against Nurnberg. The 26-year-old has justified his starting role with some assured performances in defense, keeping Erik Durm on the bench.

Defensive Midfield: Sebastian Kehl

With Sven Bender sidelined perhaps until the end of the season due to hip cartilage inflammation, Sebastian Kehl is set to be his stand-in.

The 34-year-old is Dortmund's most senior player and will have a big task ahead of him as he looks to fill the void left by the tireless Bender. Kehl was not exactly at his best in St. Petersburg on Wednesday; he'll hope to build his form this weekend.

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Defensive Midfield: Nuri Sahin

As with Kehl, Nuri Sahin will stand in for one of Dortmund's key starters. In the Ludenscheid native's case, he will start in place of Ilkay Gundogan, who has been sidelined since mid-August.

Sahin has rarely had a moment's rest but will be needed given Dortmund's lack of alternates. He's had a brilliant season thus far; his form and fitness will be vital to BVB's aspirations from now until the end of the season.

Right Wing: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

He's started nearly every match this spring, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is likely to play from the beginning on Saturday. The Gabon international only came on as a second-half substitute in St. Petersburg and therefore will be relatively fresh for this weekend's clash.

As of now he's Dortmund's second-highest scorer in the Bundesliga: Aubameyang's form on the day could decide whether or not BVB take three points.

Centre-Attacking Midfield: Henrikh Mkhitaryan

He still hasn't exactly taken the Bundesliga by storm, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks after having an overall poor fall campaign. The Armenian pounced on his chance to score the opener in St. Petersburg on Tuesday and now will look to make an impact against Nurnberg.

As of yet, there still is no ready and reliable competition for his spot in the playmaker's position.

Claude Paris/Associated Press

Left Wing: Kevin Grosskreutz

Marco Reus is suspended following his fifth booking of the season, collected during a dismal performance as a substitute last weekend. The Germany international will certainly be missed, however, he scored and gave two assists against Zenit in midweek. Kevin Grosskreutz will have big shoes to fill as he stands in for Reus on the left wing..

Centre-Forward: Robert Lewandowski

Like Reus, Robert Lewandowski was brilliant against Zenit. Each time the hosts pulled a goal back, the Poland international striker restored Dormtund's two-goal lead. Lewandowski is an irreplaceable player in Klopp's XI; it's hard to imagine BVB moving on without him next season.

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