Since Jurgen Klopp took charge of Borussia Dortmund in 2008, the German club have, by and large, enjoyed success.
Yet, following a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Frankfurt at the weekend, Klopp's men find themselves bottom of the Bundesliga with 13 matches played and as sporting director Michael Zorc has admitted, deep in a relegation battle.
Next up for the 2013 Champions League finalists is a home encounter against Hoffenheim, who have no such worries at present.
Having returned to winning ways last time out against Hannover following a run of three straight defeats, Markus Gisdol's side are just one point off the Champions League places.
In terms of team selection, Dortmund will be without talisman Marco Reus because of ankle problem, while full-back Lukasz Piszczek is also thought to be struggling with a muscular complaint. Centre-back Mats Hummels may also miss out with a foot injury.
Elsewhere, the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Nuri Sahin and Marcel Schmelzer could all earn recalls to Klopp's starting lineup.
As for visiting Hoffenheim, they are likely to be unchanged from the side that claimed all three points against Hannover.
Dortmund:
Form in Bundesliga: LLLWDL
Form in all competitions: LWWDLL
Possible starting lineup: Weidenfeller; Schmelzer, Subotic, Ginter, Durm; Bender, Sahin, Gundogan, Kagawa, Mkhitaryan; Aubameyang
Hoffenheim:
Form in Bundesliga: DWLLLW
Form in all competitions: WWLLLW
Possible starting lineup: Baumann; Beck, Kim, Bicakcic, Sule; Polanski, Schwegler, Zuber; Firmino, Schipplock, Volland
Sports Mole says: 1-1
Liam Apicella
