With a potentially make-or-break game against Bayern Munich looming large, Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund host struggling Fortuna Dusseldorf on Tuesday knowing a slip up will play right into Bayern's hands.
Dortmund currently lie nine points behind Bayern Munich, and know nothing but a win will do, as they look to continue the momentum following their 2-1 win over Mainz at the weekend.
Robert Lewandowski, who has scored four goals in the last two games for Dortmund, admitted his side had faced a tough proposition in Mainz, before pulling off a narrow victory.
"We controlled the game (against Mainz)," Lewandowski said. "It doesn't matter who it's against, the next game after a Champions League match is always tough.
"It was a hard-fought contest, but a great game. We're pleased. It was an important game because we needed the three points.
"We're still a long way behind Bayern. As ever, we're concentrating on the next game -- against Düsseldorf on Tuesday."
Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp said his team were only concentrating on the game against Dusseldorf, saying "we are not thinking about Bayern yet."
Mainz boss Norbert Meier, however, said his side were struggling with multiple injuries. "We've really been hit hard this time," Meier said before mentioning the players that would not be available against Dortmund, including Oliver Fink, Du-Ri Cha, Bruno Soares, Stelios Malezas, Jens Langeneke and Tobias Levels.
"And this is our toughest game of the season. At the same time, this is our easiest game of the season since we have nothing to lose."
To watch Borussia Dortmund vs Fortuna Dusseldorf Live Stream, click here.
Expected lineups: Dortmund: Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer; Bender, Kehl; Blaszczykowski, Gotze, Reus; Lewandowski.
Dusseldorf: Giefer; Balogun, Bodzek, Juanan, Van Den Bergh; Paurevic, Lambertz; Garbuschewski, Ilso, Bellinghausen; Kruse.
Prediction: 3-0 Dortmund
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