As for the visitors, while BVB might have entered the break with the mood in their camp at a continued high, Schalke are a side desperately hoping to end what was a woeful run of form back in March. Despite entering the break with a 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim, the Blues have failed to win any of their last 10 matchups within 90 minutes and have not record a Bundesliga victory since the 17th of January. Now in a real battle to try and secure another European finish this year, Head Coach David Wagner has also seen his side continue to struggle while away from the VELTINS-Arena. Including a woeful 3-0 hammering away at Koln in their last away fixture, the Blues have failed to win any of their last six Bundesliga matches on their travels, their worst run since May 2015. Ahead of their cross-town trip this weekend, there is no doubt that the former Huddersfield boss will be calling for his side to make some rather drastic improvements in the final third. Managing to record just a single strike in their last five matchups across all competitions, Schalke have also failed to find the net in their last four Bundesliga matchups on the road.
Team News
Schalke already know Omar Mascarell will miss the rest of the season with an adductor tear and the prognosis could be the same for Ozan Kabak with a back problem.
Elsewhere, the Blues will be able to once again call upon Daniel Caligiuri who has recovered from a knee problem, while Suat Serdar is back after breaking his toe in training.
Key Factors to Consider
Borussia Dortmund have won their last four Bundesliga matches on the bounce and have also won seven of their last eight top-flight appearances.
BVB have also conceded just a single goal in their last four Bundesliga matchups.
Schalke have failed to win any of their last six Bundesliga matches on the road, their worst record over the past five years.
The Blues have also failed to record a single goal in any of their last four away fixtures.
Erling Haland has recorded 12 goals in his 11 matchups for Dortmund following his January move from Red Bull Salzburg.
Conclusion
While Schalke might hold an eye-catching record against their bitter rivals, it is hard to see anything other than a home victory for Dortmund this weekend. With Saturday s guests in the midst of their worst run since appointing David Wagner, the Blues have failed to win any of their last seven Bundesliga matchups and have continued to show some glaring issues in the final third. Enduring their worst attacking record in recent memory and not recording a single away strike since opening 2020, we re backing Lucien Farve s men to mark their return in routine fashion this weekend.
Verdict: Borussia Dortmund win and under 4.5 goals
Best Odds:
