The early season is a difficult one for Dortmund, who have already faced Leverkusen and Stuttgart, and now tackle Wolfsburg, Schalke and Bayern Munich within the next three weeks. Juergen Klopp’s men have one win to their record thus far, and will be especially eager to increase that tally as soon as possible: odds are not all that steep against the Ruhr side taking just one win from their first six matches.
Long touted as a team to watch for the future, Dortmund’s faith in youth development, coupled with a few smart moves in the transfer market, has left the 1997 Champions League winners in their best standing in years.
Though his team is in very good health heading into this weekend, coach Juergen Klopp is cautious and respectful of big-spending rivals Wolfsburg.
“If you invest a lot of money, you are not happy just to play along,” the coach told his team’s official website. “Wolfsburg are one of the favourites for the German title.”
Klopp also clarified that Dortmund will not man-mark Wolfsburg playmaker Diego, and insisted that his team focus on their “own qualities” in front of a capacity crowd of over 81,000 spectators.
The gaffer also warned Wolfsburg that his team will be ready to play. Following the “fantastic reaction the team showed in Stuttgart” Dortmund have “built up a lot of confidence”.
It’s been nearly two weeks since their last match, but if Dortmund can carry over their momentum, a first home victory awaits.
Wolfsburg’s Season To Begin On Saturday - Steve McClaren
Two good performances and not a point to show for them. Such can be the fate of a Bundesliga team. New Wolfsburg coach Steve McClaren has been given a shocking introduction to the German game, his team having lost in the final seconds of their opener, and more recently, having allowed a 3-0 lead at home to be overturned.
McClaren has decided that what is done is to be buried, and that the team shall start afresh.
“That we let the games in Munich and against Mainz get away from us is something that we only have ourselves to blame for,” he told the official Wolfsburg website. “For me, our season begins on Saturday.”
For the 'season start', McClaren’s side may be without the services of injured right back Sascha Riether as well as goalkeeper Diego Benaglio, whose wife will soon go into labour. However, the 2009 Bundesliga champions will be greatly boosted by the availability of playmaker Diego, who was doubtful until Thursday with severe foot bruising.
“I have no more problems and should definitely be able to take part on Saturday,” the Brazilian said.
On Saturday, Wolfsburg will visit the famous and notoriously intimidating Signal-Iduna Park. McClaren relishes the challenge.
“In both of our games so far in the league this season, we have experienced great atmospheres,” he said. “That’s exactly what makes football so attractive.
“On Saturday we will not just be playing against a team but against a bunch of amazing fans. To pass the test, my team are going to have to be mentally strong.”
Mental strength will indeed be a huge factor. On Saturday, it will be 81,264 (plus XI) versus Wolfsburg’s XI. Some way to begin a new chapter in the season.
TEAM NEWS
Borussia Dortmund
Left back Dede, right winger Jakub Blaszczykowski and attacker Mohamed Zidan remain sidelined, but Juergen Klopp has a deep and formidable side available nonetheless. Mario Goetze is expected to start on the right wing, although Klopp might opt to start Robert Lewandowski instead.
Probable Starting XI: Weidenfeller - Owomoyela, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer - Sahin, Kehl - Goetze, Kagawa, Grosskreutz - Barrios
Wolfsburg
Central defender Arne Friedrich remains out of contention due to a back injury and Andrea Barzagli will deputise in his stead. After Diego was declared fit, the only question mark over Steve McClaren’s side is right back Sascha Riether. Peter Pekarik is prepared to start should their team-mates not be deemed fit. Additionally, goalkeeper Diego Benaglio may miss the match depending on whether his wife goes into labour prior to kick-off.
Probable Starting XI: Benaglio - Riether, Kjaer, Barzagli, Schaefer - Josue, Hasebe - Ziani, Diego, Mandzukic - Dzeko
Prediction
A lot is riding on whether or not Diego is not only fit, but well prepared. If so, as viewers saw in round two, he and Dzeko can be lethal. Dortmund is an incredible atmosphere, however, and the Ruhr side will be especially eager to atone for their mistakes in their home opener. While a win for Wolfsburg is not out of the question, I would expect Dortmund get at least a point, if not three.
Borussia 1-1 VfL Wolfsburg 
