The Bundesliga is heading into the final straight: there are still four games to go in the current season, and next up for Borussia Dortmund is the trip to Fortuna Düsseldorf on Saturday.

Defensive coordinator Mats Hummels, who saw his deputy Emre Can step in during the recent match against Hertha BSC, is eligible to play again after his suspension for yellow cards. There are also legitimate hopes of the return of Erling Haaland. "He got involved with everything in training. It's looking good," said coach Lucien Favre about his striker. There is no date yet for captain Marco Reus to make a comeback after four months on the sidelines. "He started to do some of the training with the team this week. We hope that he can play again as soon as possible," said Favre. 

In the clear 5-0 victory in the first half of the season, Reus managed two goals and an assist. Memories of the most recent away game in the state capital are less fond, however, when we suffered our first defeat of the 2018/19 season in December 2018. "That is long forgotten. Düsseldorf are a different team now and so are we," said the coach. The current team in Düsseldorf lie 16th in the table and are fighting against relegation. Favre: "It is always very difficult against opponents like that. I have seen several of Düsseldorf's games. It will be hard work for us." 

Sporting director Michael Zorc points out that Paderborn were also fighting to stay in the league in the game against BVB. In the game at the end of May, it was still 0-0 at the break, and only in the second half did the Black and Yellows get going on their way to a 6-1 victory. "You can't take winning any game for granted – no matter who the opponents are," said Zorc. "All the opponents we will be coming up against are fighting for something: for Mainz it is about staying up, Leipzig are fighting for the Champions League and Hoffenheim are going for the Europa League. They will all be motivated against us."

But he said there was still a lot for BVB to play for: "Important points for Champions League qualification and, in the end, second place." BVB could secure a place in the Champions League next season with a victory this weekend if Mönchengladbach or Leverkusen lose their games.

Christina Reinke

BVB TV: The press conference with Lucien Favre and Michael Zorc