A mammoth clash awaits as the teams ranked third and fifth in the Bundesliga since the winter break prepare to square off, with VfL Wolfsburg aiming to secure second spot and Borussia Dortmund looking to wrap up a Europa League qualification berth. But much depends on what happens across at the Weser-Stadion, where the two teams' direct rivals Bremen and Gladbach are set to do battle.

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"When two teams have their sights set on major objectives, it can get passionate," said Jürgen Klopp ahead of his side's trip to VfL Wolfsburg, who are looking to secure their first-ever runners-up spot.

But what about Borussia Dortmund? The Black and Yellows are also eyeing a record of their own, with no club having ever made the jump from 18th to sixth place. "That's not normally a record that you would particularly want to set," said Jürgen Klopp. It goes without saying that the coach - along with everyone else associated with the club - would have hoped for better this season. Now, though, it appears as if a happy ending is in store. "But getting there is not going to be easy and we're not there yet," warned Klopp.

The challenge awaiting on Saturday (kick-off 15:30 CET) could scarcely be greater either, with VfL Wolfsburg now unbeaten at home for 14 months (15 wins and 6 draws in 21 matches) and potent in attack. "They're a team that moves quickly, well and precisely," said Jürgen Klopp, who is hoping to give his charges "one or two pointers to beware of". For instance, BVB need to be on red alert when it comes to set-pieces - "one of Wolfsburg's key strengths", according to Klopp. The coach is going to set up his team in a way that "no variant can surprise us". Nevertheless, the major advantages seem to rest with the hosts. "We can prepare well, but we can't diminish their potential," said Klopp.

However, the Black and Yellows have also scored a handful of goals from corners in recent weeks. "Miki has developed a new quality there," said Klopp, before adding: "His delivery from corners is excellent."

It's a fact which might mean Wolfsburg conceding their 900th goal in Bundesliga history - currently 899, with goals 200 and 300 also coming at the hands of Dortmund - and leaves fans hopeful that BVB might leave Lower Saxony on Saturday with at least a point.

After that, all eyes will turn to Bremen.
Boris Rupert

Here's how they might line up