Borussia Dortmund faces TSG Hoffenheim on Matchday 2 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season. The match is scheduled for September 5, 2026.
Niko Kovac is expected to set up in a defensive formation to compensate for the many absences in his squad. Kobel will start in goal, with Gadou and Anton forming the central defensive partnership. Although Bensebaini is currently suspended, he would feature on the left if available, but his absence due to suspension leaves a gap. Ryerson is set to operate on the right flank, while Veerman and Svensson are tasked with providing balance in midfield. Karetsas and Chukwuemeka are likely to occupy the wide attacking positions, with Guirassy aimed as the central striker. F. Nmecha could be deployed as a second striker or attacking midfielder to bridge the gap between midfield and attack.
The injury list is extensive and heavily impacts Niko Kovac’s planning. Can remains sidelined with a cruciate ligament tear, as does Konstantelias, whose absence is similarly significant. Lerma is struggling with a muscle issue, while Inacio is suspended following a red card. Additionally, Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini are currently unavailable, the latter not injured but suspended. These absences force Kovac to rely more heavily on younger players like Bellingham and Beier, who are pushing for a place in the starting eleven.
Christian Ilzer is expected to opt for a stable defensive setup, with Baumann in goal and Coufal and Kabak forming the full-backs. Hajdari may shift to left-back if Hranac moves into central defence and Rots comes in for Bernardo. In midfield, Avdullahu, Burger and Conte are anticipated to start, though Wimmer presents a possible alternative to Conte. Daghim and Lemperle are set to occupy the central attacking roles, with Lemperle particularly motivated following his return to the squad. Hlozek is likely to operate as an attacking midfielder or second striker, while for Kramaric, a starting role remains premature.
Borussia Dortmund began the season with a win and currently sits fifth in the Bundesliga with 3 points. The team has scored two goals and conceded none, giving them a goal difference of +2. This reflects a solid start despite the squad challenges. The upcoming fixture takes the team away to Hoffenheim, who are currently placed 12th in the table. For more information on the schedule, visit our fixtures page.
The Borussia Dortmund Hoffenheim lineup will ultimately depend on how quickly Kovac can integrate his alternatives and whether young talents like Bellingham and Beier can fill the void. The match on September 5, 2026, will serve as an early test of just how deep the squad really is.
