Borussia Dortmund vs. Cologne: Bundesliga Opener Preview

11 months ago

As Borussia Dortmund gears up to face Cologne in their Bundesliga season opener, the memory of narrowly missing out on the title last season looms large. Dortmund's determination to clinch the championship shines through as they take on Cologne, who aim to make their mark in a season filled with changes and challenges.

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Borussia Dortmund vs Cologne preview

 A Determined Dortmund Seeks Redemption

After a heart-wrenching near-miss for the Bundesliga title in the previous season, Borussia Dortmund enters the new campaign with a resolute desire to prove themselves. Last-minute twists on the final matchday saw the title slip through their fingers. Eager to demonstrate their mettle, Dortmund is set to make a bold statement in their encounter against Cologne.

Key Players and Dynamics

Talismanic midfielder Jude Bellingham's departure to Real Madrid over the summer has left a void, yet Dortmund's preseason performance reflects no signs of slowing down. Triumphs against Manchester United and Ajax, along with a hard-fought draw against Chelsea, highlight Dortmund's readiness. New signings Ramy Bensebaini and Marcel Sabitzer have seamlessly integrated, bolstering the team's strength. Felix Nmecha's promising displays alongside new club captain Emre Can add to Dortmund's potency. As Marco Reus steps aside due to injury, the spotlight remains on him for his potential impact.

Cologne's Evolution Under Change

Cologne's journey ahead is marked by transition. The retirement of Jonas Hector and the departure of influential midfielder Ellyes Skhiri present challenges for the team. Notable new face Leart Paqarada, acquired from Bundesliga 2's St. Pauli, steps in to fill the void at left-back. Midfielder Florian Kainz assumes the captaincy, while the addition of Luca Waldschmidt adds firepower to the forward line. Despite their recent victory over Nantes, the extra time needed to overcome Osnabrück in the cup underscores Cologne's early-season trials.

A Battle of Strengths

Julian Brandt, Sebastien Haller, and Donyell Malen led Dortmund's goal charts last season, each contributing nine Bundesliga goals. Dortmund's resilience at home is highlighted by their unbeaten streak of 19 competitive matches.
On the other hand, Cologne's journey to Dortmund has been a challenging one, with just seven wins in 47 Bundesliga away games. The Bundesliga landscape is set for an intense clash of strengths as both teams vie for supremacy.

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Probable Lineups

• Dortmund: Kobel - Ryerson, Süle, Hummels, Bensebaini - Sabitzer, Can (c) - Malen, Reus, Brandt - Haller
• Cologne: Schwäbe - Schmitz, Hübers, Chabot, Paqarada - Olesen, Martel - Huseinbasic, Waldschmidt, Kainz (c) - Selke

The Stage is Set

The stage is set for an enthralling Bundesliga opener as Borussia Dortmund squares off against Cologne. With Dortmund's determination to overcome their near-miss and Cologne's response to a season of changes, football enthusiasts can expect an exhilarating battle. As the teams take to the field, they carry the hopes of their fans, eager to witness the beginning of a captivating football journey.