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Bundesliga
May 16, 2015 at 2.30pm UK
 
DL

2-1

Caligiuri (1'), Naldo (49')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Aubameyang (11' pen.)

Preview: Wolfsburg vs. Borussia Dortmund

:Headline: Preview: Wolfsburg vs. Borussia Dortmund: ID:222792: from db_amp
Sports Mole looks ahead to Saturday's Bundesliga clash between Wolfsburg and Borussia Dortmund.

Two sides with very different memories of this season meet in the penultimate round of fixtures when Wolfsburg host Borussia Dortmund on Saturday afternoon.

Dortmund remain in the battle for Europa League qualification, and they can move into the top six against Wolfsburg two weeks before the teams meet in the DFB-Pokal final.


Wolfsburg

Results over the next three weeks should decide whether supporters consider this a very good season, or a fantastic campaign for Dieter Hecking and his players.

Wolfsburg's momentum has almost been stopped on a number of occasions this season, but this improving squad has passed most of its tests and they could be just a victory away from securing second spot.

The club's supporters may have been disappointed by the quarter-final exit in the Europa League, but there is a strong sense of optimism as they prepare for the Champions League next season and there could be more success on the way, too.

If Hecking's side beat Dortmund and Borussia Monchengladbach fail to earn three points against Werder Bremen at the weekend, second spot will be Wolfsburg's and they can quickly turn their focus to the DFB-Pokal final, which takes place in Berlin at the end of the month.

The good news for Wolfsburg is that Bas Dost has found his form once again after a difficult spell in front of goal, and three goals in the past two weeks will mean that the Dutchman is full of confidence heading into his next test.

However, Dost's improved fortunes are not stealing the headlines in the latter stages of the season, and Wolfsburg are still being forced to handle the speculation surrounding Kevin De Bruyne's future.

It seems inevitable that clubs from across Europe will be launching bids for the Belgian this summer, but Hecking will be hopeful that second place and DFB-Pokal success is enough to persuade the attacking midfielder to stay.

Recent form: WWDLDW
Recent form (all competitions): DDLWDW


Borussia Dortmund

An inconsistent season for Borussia Dortmund could end on a high as Jurgen Klopp prepares for his final three games with plenty to play for across two competitions.

Perhaps the struggles which left the club bottom of the Bundesliga earlier in the campaign will never be forgotten, but most of the frustration has been replaced with optimism thanks to an impressive turnaround in recent weeks.

Just one loss in five Bundesliga games has allowed Dortmund to climb up the table once again, and they have piled the pressure on Augsburg and Schalke 04 with two league matches remaining.

Dortmund currently sit two points behind fifth-placed Augsburg and one behind Schalke, and clinching fifth spot is the challenge for the squad as fans remain hopeful of Europa League qualification.

The long-term challenge for incoming boss Thomas Tuchel is sure to be earning a place in the Champions League and turning the side into title contenders once again, but the focus is still on Klopp for now and he will be desperate to sign off in style.

In truth, there is probably more pressure on him to beat Wolfsburg in the DFB-Pokal final as he looks to deliver one final trophy, with either achievement offering Europa League football.

An uncertain summer awaits the club as the likes of Mats Hummels and Ilkay Gundogan continue to be linked with moves abroad, and Dortmund will be keen to see the current squad enjoy three more victories before a few more months of speculation.

Recent form: LLWWDW
Recent form (all competitions): LWWWDW


Team News

Dortmund are set to be handed a boost with the return of Marco Reus, who is in line to earn a place in the starting lineup following his recent battles with an adductor injury.

Kevin Kampl could drop to the bench as a result, and he could join Sven Bender, who is likely to miss out once again as Sebastian Kehl and Ilkay Gundogan continue their partnership in the centre of midfield.

Andre Schurrle is still battling to find his best form for Wolfsburg following his move from Chelsea, and the attacking midfielder is set to start on the bench once again.

Dost will lead the line for the hosts with support from De Bruyne, Ivan Perisic and Daniel Caligiuri.

Wolfsburg possible starting lineup:
Benaglio, Trasch, Naldo, Klose, Rodriguez, Gustavo, Guilavogui, Caligiuri, Perisic, De Bruyne, Dost

Borussia Dortmund possible starting lineup:
Langerak, Schmelzer, Hummels, Subotic, Durm, Kehl, Gundogan, Reus, Kagawa, Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang


Head To Head

Naldo was the hero for Wolfsburg in the reverse fixture back in December as he scored a late equaliser to earn his side a 2-2 draw at Signal Iduna Park.

Wolfsburg have won just one of the last five matches between the two sides in all competitions, and the club's supporters will not be pleased to see Reus fit again.

Before missing the last fixture, Reus scored four times in four matches against Wolfsburg and finished on the losing side just once.


We say: Wolfsburg 2-2 Dortmund

Dortmund should be full of confidence as they look to climb into the top six with another victory, but Wolfsburg will be desperate to secure second spot over the next two games. Neither side are likely to be willing to sit back and there is sure to be goals in what could be an entertaining draw.



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