Tough away test: BVB U23 head to Fortuna Köln with respect | OneFootball

With seven points from their last three games, Borussia Dortmund II has at least worked its way up to eighth place in the Regionalliga West, and with a six-point gap, the top of the table is at least within sight. At the very top is Fortuna Köln, who will also be the next opponent for the BVB U23, who will head to the cathedral city on Saturday at 2 p.m. with a healthy dose of respect.

“Fortuna is in a very good phase, having recently secured clear victories. In this constellation, it is the toughest task we’ve faced so far,” expects BVB coach Daniel Rios, who anticipates a major challenge for his protégés, but also an opponent who will take the initiative themselves: “They are currently brimming with confidence, playing at home, and of course want to keep their lead at the top of the table.”

No major personnel changes

Rios sees a potential advantage for his team in the fact that Fortuna is unlikely to sit back defensively: “If there’s a bit more space available, it might make things a little easier. We might have a bit more depth to work with.”

No major personnel changes are expected in the absence of long-term injured players Felix Paschke and Prince Aning, the suspended Babis Drakas, and Danylo Krevsun, who is away with the Ukrainian squad at the U20 World Cup in Chile. However, Elias Benkara and Mussa Kaba, who have now completed two weeks of training, are at least candidates for the squad after their enforced breaks.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.