3 things to watch as Borussia Dortmund face Hoffenheim in Bundesliga
Borussia Dortmund take on Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Saturday in a crunch fixture.
While the BVB aim to continue their winning start, Die Kraichguaer hope to get their first point in their first home league match of the 2026-27 season.
Dortmund saw off Hamburger SV 2-0 on the opening matchday whilst adding wind to their sails with a 5-0 drubbing of HEBC in the DFB-Pokal on Tuesday.
Following a summer of upheavel, the Prussians are looking to mount a serious title challenge to arch-rivals Bayern Munich but face their first real test of the season here.
Hoffenheim beat Dortmund 2-1 in their last clash but were themselves beaten by FC Koln in their first top-flight match of the season last weekend.
Ahead of the enticing clash, here are three things to watch:
1) Nwaneri's BVB debut
Dortmund's last signing of the summer transfer window, Ethan Nwaneri joined the side on loan from Arsenal on deadline day as Giannis Konstantelias' ACL injury forced them to step into the market again.
The DFB Pokal game on Tuesday came a bit too soon for the Englishman, who wasn't even officially unveiled until then. But he's very much in line to feature against Hoffenheim tomorrow in what's set to be his first BVB appearance.
2) BVB face off with boogeyman, Kramaric
There have been few players besides Robert Lewandowski who've tormented Borussia Dortmund in recent times. One of them is Andrej Kramaric, who has bagged 11 goals against the side in his career. For context, he's only scored more against Hertha Berlin (12).
The Croatian returned to haunt the BVB last season, scoring two penalties in their 2-1 win over Dortmund which included a 98th-minute winner. Some of his more glorious exploits include a stunning four-goal salvo at the Westfalonstadion on the final day of 2019-20 season, condemning Dortmund to a humiliating 4-0 defeat.
He's yet to open his account in the new season, but a match against one of his favorite opponents presents Kramaric with a great opportunity to finally break the duck. He must be licking his fingers right now.
3) Time to unleash Joey Veerman
Joey Veerman made his first start for Dortmund on Tuesday and demonstrated his fearsome attacking skillset with a stormer. He laid five crosses, five key passes, including one for Fabio Silva's goal that earned him an assist, registered a pass completion rate of 93%, while also mustering two shots in the match.
It's true that Hoffenheim are no HEBC, but the Dutchman's capabilities were there for all to see. His hold-up play is second to none and can pick out players under pressure. Attributes like these could be vital against a more domineering side like Die Kraichgauer.
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