Hertha vs. Borussia Dortmund: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Game

Borussia Dortmund return to Bundesliga action this Saturday with a trip to the capital, where they will face Hertha Berlin in a tricky away tie. 

Jurgen Klopp's side have only recently crawled out of the relegation zone, following a 1-0 win over Hoffenheim last weekend, and will be hoping to continue their climb up the league ladder at Hertha's expense. 

The former Bundesliga champions looked far from impressive against Anderlecht in midweek, in a fairly uncompetitive conclusion to the Champions League group stage from which they had already qualified. They will have to be better against a genuine, domestic opponent.  

Here are the key factors ahead of the game. 

Klopp Still Searching for Joy on the Road

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Dortmund may be hopeful of overturning their luck against Hertha on Saturday afternoon, yet one factor that could play against them is their constant disillusionment with away fixtures this season.

Excluding their opening away game against Augsburg, Klopp's side haven't won a single away game in the current Bundesliga season after six consecutive tries. 

Quite simply, no matter what kind of form Dortmund may or may not have going into this game, the stats suggest they will struggle in front of the opposing fans in Berlin. 

Langerak Remains in Goal

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Klopp wasted little time this week when local media asked the Dortmund manager whether Roman Weidenfeller would be returning to the first team against Hertha. 

“Roman is a fighter, and he has already started to fight. In the new year everything starts from the beginning," he told the Dortmund official website. Klopp also revealed recently featured shot-stopper Mitch Langerak would keep his No.1 spot for the time being. 

He said: “Details made the difference in favour of Mitch. He has done a good job so far. If nothing else happens, Mitch will play the last three games.”

Such news will delight fans ahead of the tricky Bundesliga tie, with the Australian international offering a breath of fresh air and some much needed perspective on the shaky form Weidenfeller had shown prior to the change. 

Dortmund simply look much better with their new addition in goal, and it should offer plenty of help on Saturday. 

Hertha Rarely Threaten Against Klopp's Side

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Hertha have looked far from threatening in the Bundesliga thus far. One stat that will offer little hope to the home side on Saturday is the fact Dortmund have only lost one of their last eight encounters with the capital side. 

Jos Luhukay's team may currently be sitting on equal points with the former German champions, yet the fact of the matter is Klopp's team will be made comfortable favourites for the tie. This conclusion can only be added to when we consider the manner in which this fixture usually favours the black and yellows. 

Dortmund will not only have a bit of momentum behind them, but also plenty of experience that suggests Hertha very rarely turn up against them. 

Dortmund Are Still Searching for Significant Momentum

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September 13, 2014, was the last time Dortmund won two consecutive matches in the Bundesliga. Klopp's side overcame Augsburg 3-2 the week before and then comfortably beat Freiburg 3-1 at the Westfalenstadion. 

Yet, since that day three months ago, Dortmund have continued to go from one week to the next in the league championship in a sort of daze. Sure, they still won the odd game, but it felt as though they couldn't go 10 days without dropping points to a draw or losing altogether. 

Unfortunately, despite the recent success in the Champions League, Klopp's side have still to find that elusive consecutive win. Should they do it against Hertha on Saturday, we may finally find some much needed form and momentum for this troubled side. 

Dortmund's Post-Champions League Blues

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

There are very few constants in the world of football. Form comes and goes, managers and players constantly change and fans fickly alter their opinions like the passing wind. Yet one thing seems to always remain the same in Germany: Dortmund drop points after Champions League games. 

Although Klopp has long since recovered the full strength of his squad, Dortmund have still only managed to win one of the five fixtures that have followed group stage matches this season. Saturday's game offers the sixth and final proceeding game of the round. 

Although the travelling fans will be optimistic ahead of the game, it's almost certain Dortmund will look slightly jaded and could end up falling short of expectations once again.