The Battle of the Borussias returns to the Bundesliga tomorrow when Borussia Monchengladbach host Borussia Dortmund. Typically this match is billed as ‘Who is the better Borussia’ but I would reckon that a 35-point difference between second place Dortmund and fourteenth place Monchengladbach is enough to indicate which side is better this season. Instead, this match will be important for both sides looking to secure their positions. As of writing this, RB Leipzig is 2-0 down in Leverkusen and a win in tomorrow’s match will seal second place for Dortmund.
Gladbach, however, need every point they can get to distance themselves from the relegation zone. Die Foals currently have a six point gap between them and St. Pauli, who are currently in the relegation playoff spot, and a 7 point gap from Wolfsburg in the automatic relegation spot. St. Pauli play 10th place Mainz and Wolfsburg play Freiburg tomorrow. If either team wins, Gladbach could be pulled back into the relegation scrap.
Player to Watch: Moritz Nicolas
It’s not often I get to shout-out a goalkeeper but Moritz Nicolas has been the difference maker for Gladbach this season. Despite his team conceding 50 goals, Nicolas has prevented an expected 8.2 goals this season and makes more saves per match than any other player (4.0). He’s only behind Kobel in save percentage and clean sheets. Eleven clean sheets for a team in 14th is pretty outstanding stuff and Moritz Nicolas will be looking to add another tomorrow!
For those curious about former Dortmund and USMNT player, Gio Reyna; he’s only played 435 minutes this season. I definitely don’t expect him to start against his former side but we might see him make a cameo in garbage time.
Predicted Lineup: 3-4-2-1
There will be a few holes in Dortmund’s lineup tomorrow and Kovac will have to be clever. Dortmund is once again down to two experienced center-backs after injuries to Sule and Bensebaini. Kovac has both Filipo Mane and Luca Reggiani to pull from but it will be interesting to see which he prefers. I am assuming he will pick Reggiani after leaning on him earlier this season. I expect Svensson to come back into the lineup and Beier to replace Inacio up front. Brandt will likely start but I am eager for Dortmund to start bleeding in new solutions considering Brandt’s imminent departure. I’ve thrown Chukwuemeka and Silva on the field in my prediction but I wouldn’t put moeny on them starting!
Who was the original Borussia?
Instead of asking for your thoughts (Why would I want to do that?). I’ve decided to hand out some knowledge; Borussia Monchengladbach was established in 1900 and were the original Borussia in German soccer. The founders of Borussia Monchengladbach, then just Borussia, named the club after the Kingdom of Prussia (Borussia in latin). Borussia Dortmund’s founders lacked the same patriotism and instead were drawn to alcohol – naming the club after the local Borussia Brewery. A third Borussia in the Bundesliga’s professional leagues, SC Preußen Münster, is also named after the Kingdom of Prussia.
Neither Prussia nor Borussia Brewery still exist, but the clubs do and dumb internet bloggers like me get to yap about them!
