Predicted Borussia Dortmund XI vs Stuttgart: Marcel Sabitzer returns

Marcel Sabitzer returns to the Borussia Dortmund squad ahead of their Bundesliga game against Stuttgart in the Topspiel. The Austrian is expected to start alongside Emre Can after serving a two-game suspension after being sent off against Werder Bremen.

Gregor Kobel is also expected to return after missing four of Dortmund’s last five Bundesliga games through a muscular problem and then an illness. The Swiss’ return in goal a huge boost for Die Schwarzgelben as they look to strengthen their grip on fourth.

Donyell Malen was absent from Dortmund training on Thursday as he recovers from a thigh problem picked up on international duty. If fit, the Dutchman could start, but Karim Adeyemi, who scored the opening goal in BVB’s 2-0 Klassiker win against Bayern Munich, also remains an option for Edin Terzic.

Niclas Füllkrug is also Dortmund’s go-to player to lead the attack, which leaves Sébastien Haller and Youssoufa Moukoko frustrated figures with lack of playing time. The trio are crucial to Dortmund’s squad, but there could be a shake-up in the summer.

Predicted Borussia Dortmund XI vs Stuttgart

Gregor Kobel – Julian Ryerson, Mats Hummels, Nico Schlotterbeck, Ian Maatsen – Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer – Donyell Malen, Julian Brandt, Jadon Sancho – Niclas Füllkrug.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder