As Borussia Dortmund gears up for matchday 24, all eyes are on their encounter with Union Berlin at Der Alten Försterei. For Edin Terzic, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With speculation surrounding his future as head coach, securing a win is imperative to retain his position.
Union Berlin’s Resurgence:
Nenad Bjelica’s Union Berlin side has experienced a rollercoaster ride this season. From being last season’s Bundesliga darlings to enduring a dismal 16-game winless streak, the team has faced its fair share of challenges. However, recent weeks have seen a remarkable turnaround, with Union Berlin steadily climbing up the table and seemingly securing safety from relegation. Their formidable home record, boasting 13 points from their last five games, presents a daunting task for Dortmund.
Terzic’s Tactical Dilemma:
Dortmund’s lineup for the upcoming match will see some key absentees, with Gregor Kobel sidelined due to injury and Donyell Malen suspended after accumulating five yellow cards. The return of Felix Nmecha provides a glimmer of hope, but Terzic faces tough decisions regarding his starting XI. Emre Can’s exclusion last week sparked debate, but Terzic may opt to reinstate him to prove a point. However, questions linger over the inclusion of Brandt and Reus, with fans clamoring for Sancho and Adeyemi to lead the attack.
Player to Watch: Robin Gosens
Union Berlin’s Robin Gosens has been a standout performer this season, despite the team‘s struggles. Operating both as a left midfielder and left back, Gosens has showcased his versatility and attacking prowess, notching six goals so far.
Donyell Malen can leave Borussia Dortmund in the summer for a transfer fee of between 40 and 50 million euros. This is because the club needs money for a squad re-build in the summer, which is inevitable.
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His ability to make penetrating runs into the box poses a threat to Dortmund’s defense, particularly Nico Schlotterbeck, who will need to be vigilant to thwart his advances.
Score Prediction:
Despite Union Berlin’s resurgence and Dortmund’s offensive woes, predicting the outcome remains challenging. With Donyell Malen’s absence casting a shadow over Dortmund’s attacking options, a tense 1-1 draw seems plausible. However, football is unpredictable, and fans hope for an exciting encounter at Der Alten Försterei.
In conclusion, as the countdown to kick-off begins, the pressure mounts on Edin Terzic to deliver a much-needed victory and silence his critics. Only time will tell whether Dortmund can rise to the occasion and emerge triumphant in this crucial fixture.