Mainz vs. Borussia Dortmund: Key Issues That Will Shape the Bundesliga Game
Borussia Dortmund return to domestic action this weekend when they travel to Mainz on Saturday afternoon in a tricky away tie, just days after competing in the Champions League.
Jurgen Klopp's side left fans and critics pleasantly surprised during the mid-week when they overcame Premier League side Arsenal by two goals to nil at the Westfalenstadion, yet the former Bundesliga champions will know that a hard game awaits them on Saturday.
With one win and two draws, Kasper Hjulmand's team have got on with life after influential coach Thomas Tuchel's departure last season and look good for another strong campaign in the Bundesliga.
Here are the key issues to consider prior to such a well-anticipated showdown.
1. Overcoming the Usual Slump After European Games
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Champions League success is all well and good, but sharp-minded Dortmund fans will be wary of this Saturday's coming tie against Mainz and what that tended to mean last season.
Although Klopp's side happened to drop points across the board in their Bundesliga campaign, it became all too apparent that after each tough European fixture the club usually failed to pick up all three points, regardless of the opposition.
Last season, Dortmund won just two games out of six fixtures placed directly after a group match in the Champions League. Losing against Gladbach and Wolfsburg while holding Nurnberg and Hoffenheim to draws.
If they are to truly keep on top of their season this year, they'll have to make sure such a habit doesn't come back to bite them again.
2. A Constantly Shuffling Defensive Line
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As we learned from Klopp's press conference on Thursday, via the club website, Dortmund will be without influential central defender Neven Subotic for the game against Mainz on Saturday.
Although the coach also confirmed that Polish international Lukasz Piszczek may return for the match, it still means that the German giants will be forced to shuffle their back line around one again.
Klopp also confirmed that he'll likely keep club captain Mats Hummels out of contention at risk of forcing him into another injury. Leaving the squad with just Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Matthias Ginter to chose from.
Following such an influential clean sheet against Arsenal—a rarity at the Westfalenstadion these days—it would be a real kick to moral to see a make-shift defense ship a number of goals in this league match.
3. Mainz's Poor Record Against Dortmund
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Although Dortmund face a number of obstacles when they travel to Mainz on Saturday afternoon, one thing that certainly backs them to win is simple history.
Klopp's side have always been susceptible to the odd upset against teams lower in the league, yet when it comes to Mainz they always seem to do remarkably well.
In the last 10 league encounters between these two sides, Mainz have only won once—which was way back in April 2010—with Dortmund taking seven victories, six of which have been in the last six fitures between the two sides.
4. A Desperate Central Midfield
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Another victim of the mid-week clash against Arsenal was former captain Sebastian Kehl who now looks out of action for the foreseeable future, meaning he won't be available for Saturday's match.
Such news(via the club website) wouldn't usually bring Dortmund fans to their knees if they weren't already without another three central midfielders in Ilkay Gundogan, Nuri Sahin and Oliver Kirch.
Klopp did comment on Gundogan's return, stating that he looked good and was "well on his way," but was nowhere near ready for a full 90 minutes at this level.
This now leaves Dortmund with the likely pairing of Sven Bender and Milos Jojic at the heart of their midfield. Not the worst possible pairing, considering the club's poor luck with injuries lately, but certainly not the best.
5. Dortmund Can Rely on Their Attack
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Klopp raised a few eyebrows on Tuesday night when he decided to start Ciro Immobile over the tried and tested Adrian Ramos, against Arsenal.
Alas as we now know the young, Italian striker was the perfect fit against the Premier League side; putting on a strong performance and bagging a fantastic goal for his troubles. The first of which for his new club in a competitive fixture.
As such, Dortmund can now rely upon two confident goalscorers on Saturday regardless of whether Klopp decides to start Immobile or Ramos. With a whole host of attacking midfielders in support, ready to chip in with goals as well.
