Bundesliga
Ruhr Derby Preview
The Ruhr Derby between Schalke and Borussia Dortmund rarely disappoints. Both sets of fans are always some of the most passionate ones in European football. Dortmund head into this game 7 points clear at the top of the table. They are one of Europe’s top teams at the moment and seem completely rejuvenated under Lucien Favre. Schalke have not been doing so well themselves. Italian boss Domenico Tedesco and his side have suffered 7 defeats this season out of 13 games. They sit in 12th place, a staggering 19 points behind their neighbors and rivals. The match will kick off on Sunday at the VELTINS Arena.
Team News
The hosts Schalke will be without German striker Mark Uth who has suffered a hamstring injury. Breel Embolo is also out till later this month due to a broken toe. However there are no other major absentees and Tedesco will have a relatively strong squad at his disposal.
Dortmund have a bunch of players with minor injuries who are doubtful for this game. The list includes talisman Marco Reus who has a minor thigh injury. He may be rested for tomorrow’s match. Marius Wolf, Christian Pulisic, Manuel Akanji and Marcel Schmelzer had also reportedly picked up slight knocks. However, they have all returned to training and are in contention for a place in the squad.
Ones To Watch
The hosts will have to rely upon their two key goal contributors in Nabil Bentaleb and Daniel Caligiuri. The former has been the top scorer for the club so far with 3 league goals. Caligiuri has been key with his pace and creativity. He has also notched 2 assists. The Italian also has the most successful dribbles per game ratio in the Bundesliga so far with 2.8.
As for the high flying visitors, they will be happy to rest their goalscoring hopes on Paco Alcacer. He has redefined the role of a super sub. The Spaniard is the joint Bundesliga top scorer with 10 goals and he has only started 2 games so far. That is a staggering average of only 28 minutes per goal. Dortmund also have their explosive youngster Jadon Sancho who is capable of unlocking defenses at will.
Interesting Facts and Prediction
The Ruhr Derby has an incredibly rich history. It is still one of the most highly anticipated games every season in the Bundesliga. Let us look at a few interesting facts about this age-old rivalry.
- Schalke and Dortmund have faced each other a whopping 92 times. Dortmund have won 32 of those encounters and Schalke have won 31 with the remaining 29 being draws.
- Surprisingly, Dortmund are winless against Schalke in their last 5 league meetings (D4,L1).
- Across the last 3 derbies, Dortmund have had 3 different managers. Lucien Favre will be the 4th new manager in the 4th consecutive set of derbies.
- Schalke have scored only 14 goals in 13 games so far this season, equalling their worst tally after 13 games in the 1998-99 season.
- Dortmund at this stage of the season have 33 points and have never been in a better spot other than the 2010-11 season (34 points in 13 games).
Considering the form both teams have had in the league so far, Dortmund look set to stretch their tremendous unbeaten run. Although they haven’t beaten Schalke for around 3 years now, it seems highly likely that they will break that streak. Schalke will not go down without a fight though. Since there is a lot more at stake than just 3 points, the pitch will be colored with the players’ passion. It will be a battle for pride and Ruhr supremacy.
Prediction: Schalke 1-3 Borussia Dortmund
Photo credit toDickson Dagogo via Flickr
