To BVB or not to BVB?

The reigning champions of the Bundesliga were defeated in three matches this season and that is the same record they had during the whole 2011/2012 campaign. Bayern is leading the league with a 12-points gap and shocked the football world bringing Pep Guardiola to Munchen. Is that all doom and gloom for Dortmund?

Borussia Dortmund players may claim that second place is their ultimate aim for the season, but it seems unlikely that Jürgen Klopp lost the hope to clinch the title in the middle of the campaign. The champions will try to make an inspiring start, taking as many points as possible at the domestic arena and fighting hard in Europe where they are named one of the main contenders of the Champions League title.

The importance of the first match in January is difficult to overestimate. The victory over Bremen can give a positive drive to the squad and the fans who, by the way, will expect Nuri Sahin to appear in the starting line-up after the German side returned the player from a disappointing spell in Real Madrid. Schaaf though may put the talented midfielder on the bench feeling that the creativeness of Blaszyczykowski, Gotze and Reus should not be disturbed by a newcomer.

The major loss for Borussia is undoubtedly Neven Subotic who is sidelined after suffering an injury and will be replaced by Felipe Santana.

Werder last fixture was a 1-1 draw at home with Nurnberg. The team celebrated victory only in one in their last five games, falling to the 12th place in the table. The side conceded 29 goals in 17 fixtures.