Borussia Dortmund vs. Hamburger SV preview: Hosts take on spirited underdog

Borussia Dortmund vs. Hamburger SV preview: Hosts take on spirited underdog Borussia Dortmund: The Bundesliga's top-spiel on Matchday 27 sees Borussia Dortmund host Hamburger SV at the Westfalenstadion from 18:30 CET this Saturday. Both sides will be seeking victory for two largely different reasons.

Dortmund's control of second place is more than comfortable as things stand. They hold an eight-point lead over next best Hoffenheim but crucially trail Bundesliga leaders Bayern by nine points with eight games remaining. Last weekend's comfortable 2-0 win over FC Augsburg paved the way for BVB to close that gap to Bayern who slipped up at Leverkusen.

Karim Adeyemi scored alongside a first senior goal for 18-year-old defender Luca Reggiani. The Westphalians' sporting director Sebastian Kehl said "everyone shared in happiness" after Reggiani's moment – a clear sign that spirits in the BVB camp are high despite their early exit from the Champions League this season. Team news: Kovač has close to a full squad to pick from with Emre Can (ACL tear) and Filippo Mane (muscle injury) the main absentees.

Doubts still loom over Daniel Svensson who limped off with a heavily strapped left ankle last weekend. Kobel ought to start behind Reggiani, Anton and Schlotterbeck in defence, with Svensson fit to slot into midfield with Ryerson, Nmecha and Bellingham. In attack, Adeyemi and Beier should feature behind marksman Guirassy.