Borussia Dortmund have won their opening two games in the Bundesliga. They’re looking to register another victory when Paderborn visit Westfalenstadion this weekend.

Borussia Dortmund coping well despite injuries

There are a number of selection issues for Niko Kovač as he prepares his team for their third outing in the space of eight days. Emre Can and Giannis Konstantelias are long-term injury absentees, while Filippo Mané, Justin Lerma and Nico Schlotterbeck are also sidelined.

In addition, Borussia Dortmund have doubts about Konstantinos Karetsas, while they won’t be able to count upon the services of the suspended Samuele Inácio.

Serhou Guirassy should continue up front, after scoring twice in the Champions League in midweek to take his season tally to four goals in as many appearances. Jobe Bellingham is likely to return in midfield, while Ethan Nwaneri is a fresh option in attack.

Borussia Dortmund predicted lineup vs Paderborn (3-4-2-1): Kobel; Gadou, Anton, Reggiani; Ryerson, Bellingham, Nmecha, Svensson; Nwaneri, Beier; Guirassy.

Paderborn to opt for continuity despite slow start

Paderborn are back in the German top flight after six years in the second tier, with survival the only real target for Ralf Kettemann and his team. Despite a 1-0 defeat to Freiburg last time out, major changes are not expected in Dortmund.

The visitors also have some fitness problems. Sven Michel, Timur Gayret and Nyamekye Awortwie-Grant are likely to be unavailable. Felix Götze is also rated doubtful due to a recent head injury.

Rayan Philippe went straight into the starting lineup a week ago, following a late loan move from Hamburg. He scored five times in 28 Bundesliga appearances for Die Rothosen in the 2025/26 campaign.

Paderborn predicted lineup vs Borussia Dortmund (3-4-3): Noll; ter Horst, Scheller, Hansen; Curda, Obermair, Ulrich, Castañeda; Philippe, Pieringer, Vidović.

Borussia Dortmund vs Paderborn Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Borussia Dortmund to win
  • Odds: 1.235 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Paderborn
  • 22Bet Booking Code: F13VH

Key stats:

  • Dortmund have scored 19 goals in their last four competitive matches against Paderborn.
  • The hosts have won their past four games across all competitions.
  • Paderborn have collected just one point and are yet to find the net in two league outings this term.

Even allowing for their selection problems, Borussia Dortmund have enough depth in their squad to freshen things up with some changes and still win this contest. They looked dangerous going forward on Tuesday, having 18 shots and creating six big chances against Spanish opposition.

Paderborn have made little impact so far on their return to the Bundesliga. They only registered three shots on target in their most recent outing and look short on firepower. Their striker Marvin Pieringer only scored four times in 27 appearances at this level last term for Heidenheim.

Borussia Dortmund vs Paderborn Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Borussia Dortmund to score over 2.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.75 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: KJHVH

Backing the hosts to score over 2.5 goals offers value. Kovač’s side are averaging 2.8 goals per 90 minutes across all competitions this season.

Paderborn are yet to face one of the top Bundesliga clubs, and their defence will struggle to cope with the movement and technical quality of in-form Guirassy.

Verdict: Borussia Dortmund to win (1.235) — Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Paderborn