Borussia Dortmund and SV Darmstadt 98 will face off in their final Bundesliga match of the season at the Signal Iduna Park on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
This encounter presents a stark contrast between the two teams, as Dortmund is set to finish fifth in the league and prepare for the Champions League final, while Darmstadt braces for life in the second tier after a challenging season.
Team News and Form
Dortmund
Dortmund's recent form has been inconsistent, highlighted by their 3-0 defeat to Mainz 05 following their Champions League semi-final triumph over Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite this setback, Edin Terzic's men are guaranteed a spot in next season's Champions League due to Germany's strong European performances.
Key players like Gregor Kobel, Niclas Fullkrug, and Karim Adeyemi, who were rested last weekend, are expected to return, alongside veterans Mats Hummels and Marco Reus.
Darmstadt
On the other hand, Darmstadt's season has been marred by a 22-game winless streak from October to April, sealing their relegation fate.
Despite a brief resurgence with a victory over Koln, subsequent heavy defeats to Wolfsburg and Hoffenheim underscored their struggles.
Manager Torsten Lieberknecht will be without several players due to injuries and suspension, including Jannik Muller and Fabian Holland.
Predicted Lineups
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen; Can, Sabitzer; Sancho, Reus, Adeyemi; Fullkrug
SV Darmstadt 98: Brunst; Zimmermann, Klarer, Maglica; Karic, Justvan, Mehlem, Holtmann; Skarke, Seydel, Honsak
Match Prediction
Given Dortmund's superior quality and Darmstadt's poor form, a comfortable home victory is anticipated.
Terzic's side, boosted by the return of key players and the motivation to end the domestic season positively, are likely to dominate the match.
Darmstadt, while occasionally resilient on the road, have consistently struggled against top-tier opposition.
Our Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 3-0 SV Darmstadt 98
FAQ
Q: When and where is the Borussia Dortmund vs SV Darmstadt 98 match taking place? A: The match is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the Signal Iduna Park.
Q: What are the recent forms of both teams? A: Borussia Dortmund's recent form has been mixed, with a notable 3-0 defeat to Mainz 05 following their Champions League semi-final victory over Paris Saint-Germain. SV Darmstadt 98 has had a challenging season, suffering a 22-game winless streak and facing relegation.
Q: Who are the key players expected to return for Borussia Dortmund? A: Key players expected to return for Dortmund include Gregor Kobel, Niclas Fullkrug, Karim Adeyemi, Mats Hummels, and Marco Reus.
Q: What are the significant absences for both teams? A: Borussia Dortmund will be without Ramy Bensebaini (knee), Sebastien Haller (ankle), and Julien Duranville (muscle). SV Darmstadt 98 will miss Jannik Muller (suspension), Fabian Holland (ACL), Fraser Hornby (ankle), and others due to various injuries.
Q: What is the match prediction? A: The prediction is a 3-0 victory for Borussia Dortmund, considering their quality, form, and Darmstadt's defensive struggles.
Q: How has Borussia Dortmund performed at home this season? A: Dortmund has had mixed results at home, winning only two of their last five Bundesliga matches at the Signal Iduna Park.
Q: How has SV Darmstadt 98 performed on the road this season? A: While Darmstadt has struggled overall, they have picked up 11 of their 17 points this season away from home, showing occasional resilience on the road.
