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Pre-Match Report

U23s to pay visit to 1860 Munich

The Borussia Dortmund U23s have an English week ahead of them prior to the international break. It will start with a match away to TSV 1860 Munich on Sunday lunchtime (9/3). Kick-off at Städtisches Stadion an der Grünwalder Straße is at 13:30 CET.

Head-to-head record: The Dortmund U23s and TSV 1860 Munich have faced each other on seven previous occasions. Despite leading at half-time, BVB lost the reverse fixture at the end of September 2-1, which means the record between the two teams is now even with three wins apiece. There has been only one draw.

News from the U23 camp: Coach Jan Zimmermann had only 11 outfield players available to take part in team training on Thursday. Rodney Elongo-Yombo, Kjell Wätjen, Michael Eberwein and Prince Aning are ill. Marcel Lotka (shoulder), Tony Reitz (sprained ligaments) and Cole Campbell (adductors) are out injured. Almugera Kabar is ineligible after picking up a booking in the 1-0 defeat against Essen last weekend. And Patrick Göbel's involvement against 1860 is still doubtful. But Zimmermann declared: "We have a great atmosphere in training. The situation is of course not easy, but we must not lose our composure. Every point is important for us because this league is so tight." Borussia are 11th in the table after 26 matches, with 33 points – three above the first relegation spot of 17th. Despite the 1-0 defeat against Rot-Weiss Essen last weekend, Zimmermann is buoyed by the performance: "We played a very good game when we had 11 players. We have to stabilise this performance and show it on the pitch for 90 minutes; then we have every chance." The coach also hopes one or two players will return for the game at Dynamo Dresden on Wednesday (12/3). BVB will then end their English week with a home game against Viktoria Köln next week (15/3).

Stats and facts on the opposition: For TSV, their away win against the Hannover 96 reserves last weekend was a reprieve. The Lions had dropped down into the relegation zone following back-to-back defeats, but climbed back out again thanks to their 3-1 win over the 96ers. "They of course have other ambitions. As it is a home game, I think the pressure is more on 1860 to win this match. I'm  expecting a close and difficult away game," said Zimmermann, looking ahead to the upcoming opposition. With nine points from 12 games, the men from Munich are currently the worst home team in the league and have not won in five home matches. Their most recent home win came against Waldhof Mannheim on 9 November.

Magenta will broadcast the game live.

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