Borussia Dortmund vs. Hannover 96: Bundesliga Preview
League leaders Borussia Dortmund will take on third placed http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Hannover-96-c39492 in the Bundesliga at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund on Saturday.
The reverse fixture at the AWD Arena in Hannover resulted in a 4-0 thrashing from the Dortmund side in November last year.
Borussia Dortmund
The Black Yellows have had a sensational season this term after finishing fifth last year. They are currently top of the Bundesliga table with a brilliant 62 points; seven points ahead of second placed Bayer Leverkusen.
The Borussians are well on their way to win their seventh Bundesliga title with seven games to go this season. Jurgen Klopp’s side have won 19 of the 27 matches played in the league and lost only three games, scoring a superb 54 goals in the process.
Hannover 96
The Die Roten have shown immense improvement this season after they narrowly avoided relegation last year and finished 15th. Mirko Slomka’s side currently sit in third place with 50 points and occupy the final spot for UEFA Champions League qualification.
Hannover have been impressive recently and have won four of their last five league games, including crucial wins over Hoffenheim and Bayern Munich.
Team News
Borussia Dortmund
The hosts are without any major injury concerns. Lucas Barrios will start as the lone striker upfront whereas Mario Gotze will play the role of the second striker. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robert-Lewandowski-c31255 and Kevin Grosskreutz will play on the respective wings to provide further attacking support.
Hannover 96
The Reds will be without first choice goalkeeper http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Manuel-Schmiedebach-c23439 will start in the centre of the park.
Players to watch
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lucas-Barrios-c22533
The striker has been a revelation for the Dortmund side this season and has scored 16 goals in all competitions for the Borussians. He will be looking to add to his impressive goal tally and take his side one step closer to the Bundesliga title.
Didier Ya Konan
The Ivorian has been impressive for Hannover this season and has developed a great striking partnership with team-mate http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mohammed-Abdellaoue-c26469. The forward has scored 13 goals for his club this season and will be hoping to put in another match-winning performance to ensure his side plays in the UEFA Champions League next season.
Prediction
It is a crucial clash for both sides. Dortmund cannot afford to lose any more points after dropping five points in their last two games, whereas Hannover cannot afford a loss, as fourth placed Bayern Munich play league bottom side Borussia Monchengladbach.
The home side have been brilliant when playing at home and have lost only one game all season at the Signal Iduna Park. They are expected to beat their opponents 2-1 in a tough game to extend their lead at the top.
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