The 2014/2015 Bundesliga campaign was not one that will be easily forgotten by Borussia Dortmund fans as it was nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. At one point, the 2013 Champions League finalists were actually sitting dead last in the league standings, with the title, let alone even European football well out of their reach. In fact, die Schwarzgelben were facing the unthinkable - relegation to to the 2nd tier - but clawed their way back from rock bottom to secure a solid seventh placed finish, giving them the chance to hopefully improve their fortunes this upcoming season.
Unfortunately though, it will be without charismatic manager Jurgen Klopp, who after seven years, decided to say Auf Wiedersehen to the club where he made his name as one of the top coaches on the continent. In his stead arrived Thomas Tuchel, who will certainly have his work cut out for him as he attempts to help guide Dortmund and steady the ship after that topsy-turvy experience fans went through during this past season.
So far, Tuchel's men have done well in their friendlies - albeit against minnows like Rhede, Kawasaki Frontale and Johor Darul Ta'zim. Not surprisingly, they have easily outscored their opponents by 17 to one, with Malaysian side Darul Ta'zim being the only one to be able to find the net against one of Germany's best teams. And their upcoming opponents, Bochum, in theory should present little trouble. The squad, led by Gertjan Verbeek, had a torrid time in the 2. Bundesliga last season and will be hoping to improve their standings that saw them finish in 11th place.
Just like Dortmund, they have started their pre-season preparations off well, with four wins and two draws in their first six friendlies. However, that unbeaten run looks set to come to an end as this appears to be a match of damage control for the hosts. It will also represent a good chance for Tuchel to continue tinkering with his formation and personnel as he seeks to figure out which starting XI he will rely on for the upcoming season.
Like many coaches, Tuchel will have to decide if he wishes to deploy stars like Marco Reus, who has struggled with injuries as of late. Or, if to give some of the key players a rest and give more game time to some of their new signings and others who have not featured as regularly during the normal season.
Bochum do now have fond memories of playing Dortmund. The last time they met, it was Klopp's side who powered through to a 2-1 win back in January 2014 during a winter break friendly. As for in competitive fixtures, they were thrashed 4-1 in a March 2010 league game. However, it is pre-season and anything can happen. Will it be another routine win for Tuchel's side? Or will Bochum manage to pull off a shock upset?
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