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

Borussia Dortmund will be cursing their own luck this week, with the arrival of high-flying Wolfsburg to contend with on Wednesday night, before a final match on Friday before the winter break. 

For Jurgen Klopp and his troubled side it would seem as though the task at hand is to simply make it to the winter break all in one piece, with Wolfsburg coming to the Westfalenstadion with every intention of taking something from the match. 

Dieter Hecking's side have managed to overcome the madness of the German top division—something only Bayern Munich manage each season—and now find themselves in second place with a comfortable six-point margin over Bayer Leverkusen in third. 

Should the Wolves win on Wednesday night, they may well be able to prop themselves up for a genuine title fight with Bayern over the second half of the season while at the same time commit Dortmund to further relegation anguish. 

Here are the key factors to consider for this game. 

Wolfsburg's Limited Fortune at the Top

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Wolfsburg may be siting above most sides in the Bundesliga this season, but when it comes down to whether they're actually better off than the German top flight's big sides things get a little confusing. 

The Wolves started off their campaign with a spirited performance against Bayern—in a 2-1 defeat that could have quite easily gone their way—but have since lost to Schalke, too, suggesting that no matter how well prepared they may be, they still struggle against the considered top four.

However, Hecking's side have offered some performances to disprove such a claim. A convincing 4-1 thumping of Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the season and a recent win over Borussia Monchengladbach would have put a spring in their step. Yet we await to see if it will be enough to see Wolfsburg overcome Germany's former champions. 

Two Sides Who Know How to Beat Each Other

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Dortmund and Wolfsburg's rise to power over the past decade has naturally unfurled a notable rivalry between the two clubs and with it a very balanced head-to-head record over the past few seasons. 

In fact, in the last three league campaigns Dortmund have won three times, Wolfsburg twice, which of course leaves one draw. Klopp's side may have the edge, but it's very tight and a testament to the quality on show in both teams over the past few years.

Taking into account the form of both sides at the moment, one would have to consider Hecking's side favourites and possibly more than ready to turn such a head-to-head in their favour. 

Dortmund Need Another Rally

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

Despite a somewhat heroic win over Hoffenheim two weeks ago, Klopp's side once again slumped back into the relegation zone with a 1-0 defeat to lowly Hertha Berlin. 

Looking at the form table, it would seem as though Dortmund simply haven't got a chance of beating Wolfsburg; they sit in the relegation zone, with Hecking's side second. One team look set for defeat while the other are preparing for victory. 

Yet Dortmund's season has been nearly as simple as that this year. And for all the troubles that have besieged the club, Klopp's squad still have that ability to rally against some of their biggest foes. 

This has of course been most notable in the Champions League, where Marco Reus & Co. have overturned the likes of Arsenal, Anderlecht and Galatasaray with ease but we've also seen Dortmund show up in the Bundesliga on occasions. 

Although the game ended in defeat for the black and yellows, Dortmund put on a good show against Bayern Munich just a few months ago and have of course raised their game to beat Gladbach too. 

The talent is all still there, it's just a matter of getting engaged enough to win. 

Kevin De Bruyne

Michel Spingler/Associated Press

If one man can be tasked with supporting the claim that Wolfsburg are genuine title contenders this season, it is Kevin de Bruyne. 

The Belgian international has returned from Chelsea and at Wolfsburg found the time and place to truly thrive in the Bundesliga. This season the 23-year-old is on fire and therefore his team are on fire. 

Going into their clash with Dortmund, Hecking will be fully aware of what De Bruyne can offer. According to Transfermarkt, the playmaker has already picked up a remarkable 12 assists and five goals in 23 games across all competitions.

Beware, Dortmund, this glory-hunting Belgian is on his way.