This back-to-back scheduling gives Niko Kovac’s men the chance to assert dominance over a direct rival, while Kasper Hjulmand’s Leverkusen will be desperate for an immediate response in the knockout competition.
With Bayern Munich rocketing away in the Bundesliga, both sides are aiming for a cup tie, but only one team will progress from what will be the standout match of the round between two teams currently sitting next to each other in the table.
Borussia Dortmund vs Bayer Leverkusen – Match preview and team news
- Date: Tuesday December 2
- Kick-off: 8pm BST
- Location: Signal Iduna Park
- Referee: Tobias Stieler
- US: Christian Dingert
- Last meeting: Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga, November 29
Team news from Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund are again without central defender Niklas Süle, who is still struggling with a toe injury and is not expected to be available for this DFB-Pokal match. Striker Maximilian Beier also remains sidelined after a recent muscle problem, with his absence confirmed on the latest unavailable list.
Otherwise, Kovac should have the majority of his key players fit, and there is no indication he will be heavily rotated for a knockout tie against top-level opponents. Gregor Kobel has been one of Dortmund’s most reliable players this season, with strong save numbers and multiple clean sheets in all competitions, underscoring his importance as a first-choice goalkeeper.
In attack, Karim Adeyemi comes into this cup tie in excellent form after scoring in the 2-1 win over Leverkusen last weekend, adding to his growing goal tally for the campaign. Serhou Guirassy will once again take charge, with Kovac publicly backing his main striker and emphasizing the need for a consistent goalscorer in a team with ambitions on several fronts.
Team news from Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen must deal with a significantly longer injury list ahead of the trip to Signal Iduna Park. Brazilian defender Arthur remains out with a back injury sustained during November’s international break, while goalkeeper Janis Blaswich is also unavailable due to a muscle problem.
The midfield options are hit hard. Equi Fernández and Exequiel Palacios have both been ruled out due to injury and are not expected to play on Tuesday. Wide man Lucas Vázquez is another long-term absentee with a muscle problem, and youngster Axel Tape-Kobrissa is struggling with a hamstring problem, although there is some hope he could return to the squad soon, according to recent reports.
Summer signing Mark Fleken is set to stay in goal and has established himself impressively since joining Leverkusen, posting solid shots and several clean sheets in the early months of his time at the club.
Form
Borussia Dortmund: LDDWW
Dortmund came into this tie in strong form after a crucial Bundesliga win at the BayArena, where goals from Anselmino and Adeyemi secured a 2-1 victory over Leverkusen and kept their momentum going. Recent domestic and European results have been positive overall, with Dortmund avoiding defeat in several matches and showing improved defensive resilience under Kovac.
Bayer Leverkusen: WWWWL
Leverkusen’s 2-1 defeat to Dortmund last weekend ended a four-match winning streak in all competitions, including a Champions League win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Hjulmand’s side were otherwise one of the Bundesliga’s top teams, scoring freely and generally controlling games despite their injury problems.
Predicted lineups
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Anselmino, Anton, Schlotterbeck; Ryerson, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson; Brandt, Adeyemi; Guirassy
Bayer Leverkusen: Spots; Andrich, Bade, Tapsoba; Hofmann, Maza, García, Grimaldo; Tillman, Poku; Arrange
How do you watch Borussia Dortmund – Bayer Leverkusen?
In Great Britain, Borussia Dortmund versus Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal will be shown live on DFB Play (the DFB’s official streaming service for the cup).
Also read – Arsenal extends long unbeaten run at Chelsea after draw in the derby
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