Darmstadt vs Borussia Dortmund
German Bundesliga
Saturday
13th January 2024
Merck-Stadion am Bollenfalltor
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the German Bundesliga fixture between Darmstadt and Borussia Dortmund.
Darmstadt vs Borussia Dortmund: Preview
Darmstadt form analysis
SV Darmstadt had impressed early on this season but have struggled for consistency over their past five Bundesliga matches. On 25th November they drew 1-1 away at Freiburg, going ahead through Honsak before conceding to Höler. Things improved slightly on 2nd December with a narrow 0-1 away win at FC Köln thanks to Selke’s winner. However, defensive issues emerged on 9th December during a 2-3 home loss to Heidenheim, twice going ahead through Skarke after Mainka’s own goal but undone by goals from Schöppner and a Mainka double.
Their struggles continued on 16th December with a disappointing 0-1 home defeat to Wolfsburg courtesy of Majer’s second half strike. Most recently on 20th December, Darmstadt drew a thrilling 3-3 game at Hoffenheim, going ahead early through Pfeiffer before a back and forth second half saw them pegged back three times despite two goals from Skarke. Overall, Darmstadt must tighten up defensively after conceding 10 times over this spell if they want to sustain their early season form.
Borussia Dortmund form analysis
Borussia Dortmund have shown tremendous determination but inconsistent overall form over their past five Bundesliga matches. On 25th November they staged a thrilling late comeback to beat Borussia Mönchengladbach 4-2 at home, overturning a two goal deficit through goals from Sabitzer, Füllkrug, Bynoe-Gittens and a last gasp Malen winner. Their grit shone again on 3rd December by salvaging a 1-1 home draw with Leverkusen. Hitting back quickly through Boniface after going behind early to Ryerson’s opener.
However, defensive issues persisted during a 2-3 home loss to RB Leipzig on 9th December, twice pulling goals back through Süle and Füllkrug but undone by goals from Bensebaïni’s own goal, Baumgartner and Poulsen. Dortmund’s resilience earned them a 1-1 away draw at Augsburg on 16th December, responding to Demirović’s opener as Malen equalized 10 minutes later. Most recently, they drew 1-1 at home with Mainz on 20th December, pegged back by van den Berg after Brandt put them ahead. Overall, Dortmund must focus on tighter defending to turn draws back into wins.
