Pre match report

Have belief in Dortmund

HSV will be looking to set pieces and disciplined defending against Dortmund. Sejad Salihovic could be a decisive factor in getting a result.

There’s no doubt that the Rothosen will go into Sunday afternoon’s (15:30 CET) game at Borussia Dortmund as rank outsiders. It’s not just the story of each side’s season so far in 2017/18 that sets them apart, but the success of recent years too. “Dortmund are obviously very strong opponents with a dangerous attack, but I believe that you always have a chance,” says head coach Bernd Hollerbach. BVB may still be unbeaten under new coach Peter Stöger, who took over the helm at the Black and Yellows on matchday 16, but Dortmund have won just one of their last seven home games (2-1 against Hoffenheim). “We need to remain solid at the back, but at the same time we have to look to get forward and play with courage when we’re in possession,” said Hollerbach, who will be hoping to build on the draws against Leipzig and Hannover in his opening two games in charge.

Sejad Salihovic scored from the penalty spot in Mainz. He could equal Lothar Matthäus’ record in Dortmund.

Salihovic's good memories against BVB

“Three points would be very important for us mentally,” said midfielder Sejan Salihovic. “This team has the quality and the spirit to get a result in Dortmund.” The Bosnian’s introduction and well-delivered free-kick in the 86th minute helped HSV salvage a point against Hannover last weekend. “I try to help the team the best I can. It was nice to make a difference after coming in,” said Salihovic, who is of course fighting for a place in the starting XI in Dortmund. “It’s important to be tight as a unit and get stuck in, then we will get our chances.”

If there’s anyone who knows what they’re talking about, it’s Salihovic. The HSV midfielder has very good memories of the Signal Iduna Park. On the final day of 2012/13 season, against the already-crowned champions, Salihovic struck two dramatic late penalties for TSG Hoffenheim to turn the tide after Robert Lewandowski had given Dortmund an early lead. The end result was that TSG avoided automatic relegation. “I don’t think things like that happen too often in football. We could have easily been 3-nil or 4-nil down at half-time. You never forget a game like that. But it’s not like that now. That was the last game, so right now I am just focused on HSV and the task ahead,” said Salihovic.

Stephan Ambrosius has made 16 appearances for the HSV under-21s, and is in the first team squad for the first time for Saturday’s game in Dortmund.

Ambrosius Debut

Coach Bernd Hollerbach will be without suspended defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos, which could see Gideon Jung return to the side. The Euro under-21 winner will return to the squad after his back problem. Also in the 18 is youth talent Stephan Ambrosius, who has taken part in four first-team training sessions as well as an inter-team match in recent days. Lewis Holtby (Flu) and Luca Waldschmidt (heel) will both miss out.

BVB coach Peter Stöger will also be without some of his squad too, with Guerreiro, Schmelzer, Philipp, Sancho and Yarmolenko will all be unavailable on Saturday, though Mario Götze could well make a return. Marco Reus may also be involved after recovering from a cruciate ligament injury. Whether or both of those returnees start is yet to be seen. Peter Stöger knows his side will be in a battle come tomorrow afternoon. “We know they will be very physical and dangerous from set pieces. There will be many ways to be successful tomorrow. I will set my team up to do just that.”

Bernd Hollerbach will again have Gideo Jung at his disposal in Dortmund, as the defender has recovered from a back injury.

Matthäus in Salihovic’s sights

HSV are hoping to prove that on the weekend and catch their opponents out. The Rothosen have already scored nine times from set piece situations. That number counts for more than half of all their goals. “It all comes down to mental strength. This situation is not easy, but we have enough quality in this team to win games. We have to believe in that,” demands Salihovic.

His ability with free-kicks could well be the deciding factor. IF the Bosnian were to score from the spot, he would draw level in the all time Bundesliga rankings for such goals with Lothar Matthäus. Salihovic’s 29 converted penalty kicks from a possible 33 is tenth best in the history of the German top flight. Matthäus scored 30 of 33. What better place to get another one than in the place where he has already made history.

HSV squad: Goalkeepers: Mathenia, Pollersbeck; Outfielders: Ambrosius, Arp, Diekmeier, Douglas Santos, Ekdal, Hahn, Hunt, Janjicic, Jung, Kostic, Mavraj, Sakai, Salihovic, van Drongelen, Walace, Wood

Possible Dortmund line-up: Bürki – Piszczek, Sokratis, Toprak, Toljan – Weigl – Pulisic, Götze, Kagawa, Schürrle – Batshuayi

Not available: Durm, Guerrero, Philipp, Rode, Sancho, Schmelzer, Yarmolenko

Referee: Marco Fritz