Last season ended in drama for Borussia Dortmund, as they squandered their best recent opportunity to win the Bundesliga after stuttering to defeat on the final day. They will need to put that disappointment behind them when they open their 2023-24 campaign against FC Köln on Saturday.
Bundesliga Preview
Borussia Dortmund only had themselves to blame at the end of last season, as they were one home win away from securing the Bundesliga title. However, nerves got the better for Dortmund on the final day of last term, as they suffered a shock loss against Mainz. They will quickly need to put that disappointment behind them when they return to Bundesliga action this weekend, as they look to go one better in the German top-flight this term.
However, that could be incredibly challenging for Dortmund, as they have lost one of their most influential players in the form of Jude Bellingham, who departed for Real Madrid. Felix Nmecha will be tasked with filling his boots, while Marcel Sabitzer could be a fine signing from Bayern Munich. Dortmund kicked off their domestic campaign with a straightforward 6-1 win over Schott Mainz in the DFB Pokal, with Donyell Malen, Julian Brandt, and Sebastien Haller all scoring.
FC Köln will be hoping for better in the Bundesliga this term, as they could only finish eleventh in the overall standings last term. They were threatened with relegation at points last term, but they recovered to finish nine points above the relegation playoff spot.
Steffen Baumgart remains in charge at the club, but progression will be expected from the German side this season. It is their fifth season back in the Bundesliga, and they have added to their squad with a number of affordable additions. The only money that they have spent was on the signing of Julian Chabot from Sampdoria.
Borussia Dortmund vs FC Köln Head to Head
Dortmund has won once in their previous three matches against Köln. However, that win did come in the form of a 6-1 success in their previous encounter in March. Köln has won just once in the previous five encounters between the sides.
Borussia Dortmund vs FC Köln Prediction
The disappointment of last season will still be in the air as Dortmund open their Bundesliga season on Saturday. However, we expect to see them put on a clinical showing against Köln this weekend, and we could see them registering a 3-0 win over their rivals.
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