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Bundesliga

Borussia Dortmund travel to Hoffenheim wanting to make a good impression off the field, but be as competitive as possible on it.

The clash between the two sides in Hoffenheim last season was marred by the behaviour of several visiting supporters who launched death threats and insults at the home team's owner Dietmar Hopp.

Dortmund's general manager Hans-Joachim Watzke has this week written a letter to his club's fans, pleading with them not to taint their reputation this year and demanding they show some respect for Hopp.

Coach Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, would have nothing against his side playing the role of irritants on the field.

"We want to confirm that we are a tough team to play against," he said. "This is our third away game in a row in a short space of time against a strong team and we are certainly not going to be favourites.

"But we want to extend our recent record."

Dortmund have not lost in their last six outings with three wins and three draws lifting them to mid-table after a "poor record of points" at the start of the season which Klopp insists is "hampering" his side.

Hoffenheim, on the other hand, have broken into the top five after an impressive 4-0 win at Cologne last weekend and they can take a step closer to the top by repeating last season's 4-1 triumph over the Westphalians tomorrow.

And their coach Ralf Rangnick has an almost fully-fit squad to choose from with Carlos Eduardo, Josip Simunic and Sejad Salihovic all returning to full training.

Andreas Ibertsberger may also start with a mask protecting the cheek, jaw and eye socket which he broke in a training ground incident at the start of the month.

"It is up to Andreas if he feels he is already ready to get back into the squad on Saturday," said Rangnick.