Borussia Dortmund will look to strengthen their grip on third but they face a difficult game at the Weserstadion against Werder Bremen on Saturday afternoon.
Edin Terzic confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Sébastien Haller is still sidelined with an ankle injury, but after being injured in the game against Wolfsburg, Gregor Kobel could return to the squad after taking part in training. But Alexander Meyer is likely to retain his place in goal.
Ian Maatsen scored his first Bundesliga goal last weekend against Union Berlin, and will keep his place at left-back while Niklas Süle and Nico Schlotterbeck are likely to be the defensive duo.
Karim Adeyemi, Donyell Malen and Niclas Füllkrug are in excellent form and with Malen returning to the lineup after being suspended against Union Berlin, that will likely mean that Jadon Sancho could drop to the bench.
But Terzic will have plenty of options should BVB be chasing a goal: Marco Reus, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Julien Duranville, Youssoufa Moukoko and Sancho, while Ramy Bensebaini and Mats Hummels remain defensive options.
Predicted Borussia Dortmund XI vs Werder Bremen
Alexander Meyer – Julian Ryerson, Niklas Süle, Nico Schlotterbeck, Ian Maatsen – Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer – Karim Adeyemi, Julian Brandt, Donyell Malen – Niclas Füllkrug.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder