Liverpool vs Borussia Dortmund Predictions

Liverpool kick preseason up a gear, as they meet Borussia Dortmund in Indiana this week. The Reds are playing in the early hours of Saturday, aiming to land a victory which could kick them on in the new campaign. Manager Jurgen Klopp takes on his former side, with Dortmund finally returning to the top after a lean spell following Klopp’s departure. Now Lucien Favre tests himself against the Dortmund great, but can the new look Bundesliga side get one over the European champions?

The Reds are aiming to build on their two preseason successes so far, after seeing off Tranmere and Bradford last week. The European champions haven’t made major additions to their squad so far, with Klopp determined to develop younger players to add to their squad. While they had a successful campaign last time out, Liverpool have found themselves in a tricky position. They have little room to strengthen their starting 11, while players don’t seem interested in joining as a backup option. We could see the cost of that lack of activity in this game.

Dortmund are going about things a different way. Like Liverpool, they lost out on the title to the reigning champions late last season. However, unlike the Reds, Dortmund are going on an aggressive signing spree. They’ve added Mats Hummels in defence, while Thorgan Hazard and Julian Brandt give them further options going forward. Their only major departure is Abdou Diallo who has moved to PSG, so overall this Dortmund side is much improved on last term’s title challengers.

Those additions have allowed Dortmund to take a strong side into this one as they look to extend a great friendly streak. They’ve won seven non-competitive games on the spin, while they’re unbeaten in 15 of their last 16. They should continue that run, given that they head into this clash almost at full strength. Dortmund are expected to start this one with a front four of Marco Reus, Jadon Sancho, Hazard and Paco Alcacer. Brandt and Hummels are likely to start in what is practically Dortmund’s strongest side.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are missing the trio to Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane. They were all on international duty for much of this month, as was goalkeeper Alisson. When you add in the absence of Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri, gaps start to form in their starting line up. That leaves Dortmund well placed to repeat their 3-1 win over the Reds from last season’s clash. We’re backing Dortmund to avoid defeat here, as we’re backing the Bundesliga side on the Double Chance market.