Although their bubble has been burst with three defeats in the last four, including a thumping three-goal reversal at the hands of Thomas Tuchel's Mainz, FC Nuernberg are one of the Bundesliga's success stories to date this season. Having been widely tipped as relegation candidates before a ball was kicked, Dieter Hecking's men go into tomorrow's game in eleventh spot with eighteen points from eleven games. Their good start has relieved some of the pressure and as such they are looking forward to hosting Borussia Dortmund tomorrow afternoon.
"We are really looking forward to the game. We can not barricade ourselves inside our own penalty area. We are instead looking upon the game as a challenge - to be the first side (since Leverkusen) to beat Dortmund. Therefore we will be very motivated for this game," Dieter Hecking told the pre-game press conference.
Andreas Wolf, who has been a cornerstone of Nuernberg's success this season at the heart of their defence, echoed the sentiments of his coach and set out just what the Bavarian side need to do to upset the league leaders.
"Dortmund is a well-functioning team. We want to get a shock result and therefore we have worked very hard towards that this week. We want to win all our individual battles, stop them playing and take our opportunities when they arise."
Although their recent form is anything but sparking, Nuernberg do have a good record from six matches at the Easy Credit Stadion with four wins and two losses to their name. One thing is for sure, they won't go down without a fight.
Taking Each Game As It Comes
Der BVB continue to win plaudits at both home and abroad for the exciting manner in which they have taken the Bundesliga by storm. One aspect they have struggled with is juggling three competitions but they managed a much-needed 3-0 win over Karpaty Lviv in midweek, which keeps their Europa League hopes alive. They now turn their attentions once more to domestic matters and they will almost certainly have to make do without their leading striker Lucas Barrios. Nevertheless, they have an able deputy in Robert Lewandowski and he boosted his confidence by scoring in midweek.
"It was more a case of relief than joy for Robert when he scored because he was not so relaxed," Klopp explained, referring to the fact that the €4m summer signing has mostly had to come off the bench towards the end of games to make an impact.
Nuernberg will be looking to capitalise on weary Dortmund legs but Juergen Klopp places huge importance on fitness and does not believe the schedule will take its toll on his young squad.
"We have compiled our dossier on our opponents and we will be aware of exactly what we need to do against them. Nuernberg will do everything they can to knock us off our stride and it will be our task to ensure we do not fall over," Klopp said.
Klopp still refuses to get carried away and after dead batting all talk of the title, he is also refusing to attach any significance to the possible honour of Herbstmeister (winter champions).
"It has zero significance for us. I have never seen a pennant handed out, which said "Herbstmeister 2010". "
TEAM NEWS
Nuernberg
The home side have several injury concerns heading into Sunday's crunch tie with Dortmund. Albert Bunjaku is unlikely to appear for der Club until March after undergoing knee surgery. Left-back Javier Pinola has a knee injury so Bieler is likely to deputise fore the Argentinian. Per Nilsson will undergo a late fitness test after suffering a ligament strain yet the Swede is rated highly doubtful for the game with Maroh set to take his place in the centre of defence.
Probable Starting XI: Schaefer – Judt, Wolf, Maroh, Bieler – Hegeler, Simons – Ekici, Gundogan, Frantz – Schieber
Dortmund
Die Borussen will be without the injured Lucas Barrios who has a knee injury so Robert Lewandowski will continue up-front where he will hoping to add to the goal he scored versus Karpaty Lyiv in the Europa League on Thursday. Sebastian Kehl (tendon tear) and Patrick Owomoyela are both ruled out until early 2011 while Florian Kringe has resumed training but is unlikely to feature in this one. Mohammed Zidan made an impressive cameo on his return midweek and is expected to play some part in the game.
Probable Starting XI: Weidenfeller – Piszczek, Hummels, Subotic, Schmelzer - Kehl, Bender – Goetze, Kagawa, Grosskreutz - Lewandowski
Prediction
Dortmund may be without Barrios but Lewandowski is a very fine replacement who would be first-choice in many Bundesliga teams. I expect their depth to come to the fore and that they will inflict another defeat on Nuernberg although it will not come easily since Dieter Hecking's men are no pushovers on home soil.
Nürnberg 0-2 Borussia 
