Seven points from four games are “not a big thing” but a move in the right direction, according to Jürgen Klopp. Given the fact that the team has only amassed 14 points so far this season, it’s a trend the Dortmund coach expects them to continue on Saturday against a side that also needs every point they can get.

Hertha BSC versus Borussia Dortmund – it’s a game (kick-off: 1530 CET at Olympic Stadium) between two sides sitting side by side in the table – Hertha 15th, Borussia 14th. The Berlin outfit’s Bundesliga season is also not going according to plan. After a promising start, the club from Germany’s capital have slipped down the table, losing four of their last five games.

“It’s a relegation battle,“ said Jürgen Klopp on Thursday, adding: ”We know what our situation is and see it as a chance to take a big step forward.” But Hertha, knows Klopp, will think the same, and that’s why the Dortmund coach is expecting a tough game with “one-on-one duels and even some man marking tactics. This will be a hard-fought affair.”

“It’s a relegation battle. This will be a hard-fought affair!”

It’s a good thing, therefore, that three of Borussia’s hard-working players are set to return: Lukasz Piszczek looks almost certain to be available, while Sebastian Kehl and Mats Hummels are likely to play a part on Saturday after doing some jogging on Wednesday. “We are hopeful that both will recover in time, but it’s not certain yet,” said Klopp.

The BVB coach has seen an improvement from all of his players, now he’s expecting consistency: “We need stability, and we need to regain our confidence.” And three points to continue their rise up the table. A win on Saturday could lift them as high as 10th.