Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, Borussia Dortmund decided not to show up at home against Hamburg, who managed to defeat them 3-1 at their very own Signal Iduna Park. That was a game where they produced chances, but committed more errors defensively against a decently talented side. This Saturday, they have a chance at revenge and to stay perfect thus far into the new Bundesliga season.
Dortmund have won all four of their opening games even without their former no. 10, Mario Gotze. In his place is Armenian international Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who managed to score both goals in a 2-1 away victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. In addition to him, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang managed to score a hat trick on opening day at Augsburg in an eventual 4-0 romp.
Hamburg have allowed one of their most influential strikers in H. Son to depart to Bayer Leverkusen. To replace him, they have a new no. 9 in Turkish international attacking mid/striker Hakan Calhanoglu, who is a master when it comes to taking free kicks.
He scored once already from this type of set piece in addition to one from open play. He is expected to start, but he may struggle to keep up with his teammates as well as his opponents, who will be playing a very fast-paced game throughout the 90.
Now, Hamburg have only four points after their first four games. They are already eight points behind the league leaders (Dortmund) and will look to cut that down to five. However, they will not be able to play with the same comfort they had a season ago.
Dortmund should win this game by at least two goals. Their speed, technique and home crowd will provide them all of the tools they need, along with motivation.
