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Ruhr Derby Big Game Focus: Borussia Dortmund v Schalke

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Ruhr Derby Dortmund v Schalke

The Ruhr Derby takes centre stage in the Bundesliga this weekend, as Borussia Dortmund and Schalke go head-to-head. Who will take the bragging rights in this classic German rivalry? Bet on Borussia Dortmund v Schalke here.

The Ruhr Derby is the stand out fixture in Germany this weekend, as Borussia Dortmund host their bitter rivals Schalke in the Bundesliga.

BVB are second in the table as they look to win their first league title since the 2011/12 season. A busy summer saw Lucien Favre bring in top class talent like Thorgan Hazard, Mats Hummels and Julian Brandt. The January acquisition of Erling Haaland has been inspired.

Schalke make the short journey to Dortmund out of sorts. The Royal Blues haven’t won a game in 90 minutes since January 17th and have only scored one goal in their last five matches. However, they remain sixth in the Bundesliga table, with realistic ambitions of finishing in a Europa League spot come the end of the season.

The emphasis lies with Dortmund to win their first Ruhr Derby at the Westfalenstadion since 2015. Can they grab three crucial points?

Ruhr Derby betting preview

The signing of Haaland has rejuvenated Dortmund. The 19-year-old Norwegian has scored an incredible 12 goals in just 11 appearances for Borussia since he joined from RB Salzburg in January. Can he score a debut goal in the Ruhr Derby? Back Haaland to score at odds of 1.65.

Only Bayern Munich have scored more goals than Dortmund in the league this season. Defensively, Borussia have conceded more goals than the other three sides in the top four. Eight of their last ten home games had Over 2.5 Goals. The Ruhr Derby had more than three goals in four of the last five meetings when played in Dortmund. Bet on Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.40 on our site.

Considering what is at stake for both sides and their fans, it would not be unusual for the game to start in a cagey manner. Dortmund also have a habit of turning on the style in the second half, with four of their last five Bundesliga games having more goals after the break. Odds of 2.00 for Second Half with Most Goals are available on our website

Team news

Borussia Dortmund are without their influential captain, Marco Reus. The German attacker would like nothing more than to play in his tenth Ruhr Derby, but he will miss the opportunity this time around. Thomas Delaney is nearing a comeback from a knee problem

The situation is bleak for Schalke manager, David Wagner. The former Huddersfield Town boss is still without Salif Sané and Benjamin Stambouli, whilst Suat Serdar is out with a fractured toe. The midfielder is Schalke’s joint top scorer and his side have only netted once in the three games he’s missed.

Possible Ruhr Derby line-ups

Borussia Dortmund: Burki; Piszczek, Hummels, Zagadou; Hakimi, Can, Witsel, Guerreiro; Sancho, Hazard; Haaland

Schalke: Schubert; Becker, Todibo, Nastasic; Kenny, Schopf, McKennie, Oczipka; Matondo, Raman; Burgstaller