Match Preview: Rematch in the Pokal

The last time that Borussia Dortmund played Bayer Leverkusen, I had a full tub of leftover Thanksgiving stuffing. Now, I have but a quarter tub of leftover Thanksgiving stuffing. If current projections hold, by Tuesday I will have no stuffing at all. Let this serve as a warning for Die Schwarzgelben: performances on one day, whether in stuffing-eating or in goalscoring, do not indicate future success, even if only a few days later.

If Bayer Leverkusen are seething from their 2-1 defeat at home on Saturday, then they will not have to wait long for a chance at revenge. The Pokal is the one trophy that BVB have a realistic chance of winning this season, so Die Werkself could get some major payback tomorrow.

Player to Watch: Alejandro Grimaldo

For Saturday’s match, Paul named Patrik Schick the man to watch. Schick is definitely a lethal striker, but another threat that BVB will need to be aware of is Alejandro Grimaldo. Grimaldo is a wide player who can pretty much play anywhere, and unlike Schick is much more of a playmaker. He leads Leverkusen in Key Passes and Shot-Creating Actions, and has racked up four goals and three assists in 11 games so far. He had a down year last year, but you shouldn’t forget that he put up a monster 10 goals and 12 assists as a wing back in Leverkusen’s title-winning season in 2023/24. He’s one of the most dangerous players in the Bundesliga, and BVB will need to be prepared for the threat he poses.

Predicted Lineup

Serhou Guirassy was not too happy when he was taken off the pitch early on Saturday, a fact that caused a lot of drama. Fortunately for him, the reason Kovac did it was probably to save him for tomorrow’s match.

Niko Kovac greatly praised Aaron Anselmino after his performance against Villarreal, and the Argentine had another strong performance against Leverkusen. I think that Kovac could reward him with yet another start, although I could also see Ramy Bensebaini returning to the Starting XI in his place. Maximilian Beier is questionable to return from his injury, while Fabio Silva, despite playing well on Saturday, seems fated to never get a start ever for BVB. While I could see Jobe Bellingham slotting in midfield or maybe Carney Chukwuemeka playing for Julian Brandt, I think that the most likely lineup will simply be a repeat of what worked on Saturday.

Score Prediction

Saturday’s match was a low-evematch, so I expect more of the same. I’m going to make a crazy prediction and suggest that Dortmund will advance on penalties after a 1-1 draw.