Borussia Dortmund vs Ulsan HD Predictions: Der BVB to round group stage off with ease
&w=707&quality=100)
- Borussia Dortmund have kept three clean sheets in their last five games
- Ulsan HD failed to score in four of seven Asian Champions League matches last season
- Recommended Bet: Back Borussia Dortmund to Win to Nil
Borussia Dortmund face Ulsan HD at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday night, knowing a point will guarantee progress to the FIFA Club World Cup's round of 16.
Niko Kovac's side have blown hot and cold at the tournament with a stale 0-0 against Fluminense followed by a wild 4-3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns, where their slick forwards shone but defensive frailties were exposed.
Two straight defeats in Group F mean Ulsan's dreams of reaching the next round have been dashed, with an early return to Korea confirmed no matter what happens on Wednesday.
The three-time K League 1 champions can still leave a lasting mark on the competition because if they were to win, Fluminense and Mamelodi could both advance to the round of 16 at Dortmund's expense.
Team news
Borussia Dortmund are expected to field a strong XI as they look to secure a qualification berth.
Felix Nmecha and Serhou Guirassy should retain their places after both found the net last time out, while new signing Jobe Bellingham has already made himself hard to drop in midfield.
Jamie Gittens will be hoping to earn a first start at the tournament while Julian Ryerson and Karim Adeyemi could be in line for recalls.
As for Ulsan, Um Won-sang could be ruled out by a shoulder injury he appeared to sustain against Fluminense.
The winger, who contributed a goal and an assist in the 4-2 defeat, was seen in a sling after the match, casting doubt on his availability for the clash with Dortmund.
Ulsan coach Kim Pan-gon could shuffle his pack to keep his players fresh ahead of some crucial fixtures.
But the vast prize money at stake for a win, which greatly outweighs Korean domestic rewards, means the coach is unlikely to make wholesale changes.
The stats
Dortmund scored an average of 2.09 goals per match in the Bundesliga last season, but conceded 1.5 per game, with both teams scoring in 68% of their matches.
However, Die Schwarzgelben have kept clean sheets in two of their last three league games and three of their last five overall.
Ulsan have lost both group games but did lead Fluminense at half-time before falling away after the break.
The K League 1 champions have never progressed beyond the group stage at this tournament but have a history of upsetting big names, as several players were part of South Korea's famous 2018 World Cup win over Germany.
Prediction
Dortmund's defence, which helped them clinch fourth place in the Bundesliga after a strong finish, has regressed at the Club World Cup.
They needed a superb display from goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to keep Fluminense out in the opener and were continually caught out by Mamelodi Sundowns' pace in a match they could have shut down at 4-1 up.
However, Ulsan have been one of the least potent attacking sides at the tournament and could be without talismanic winger Um on Wednesday.
Only three clubs at the Club World Cup registered fewer shots on target than Ulsan in the first two group games.
Dortmund can get the job done with a clean sheet if Kovac's side rediscover the organisation they showed in the Bundesliga run-in.
Win up to £250,000 with LiveScore 6!
Win up to £250,000 with our free-to-play game, LiveScore 6!
