Dortmund to welcome Merkel, Leverkusen

German chancellor Angela Merkel will be one of spectators at the Westfalenstadion when defending champions Borussia Dortmund host Bayer Leverkusen.

Merkel, together with all 18 Bundesliga clubs, is supporting a campaign to improve integration in Germany and she has picked to attend what should be an absorbing encounter.

"I probably won't have time to greet her in person, but I hope she enjoys herself," said Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp.

"She should get to experience what it is really like to be in a stadium."

A win for the home team would enhance that experience and that is exactly what Klopp wants to deliver after his side were held to a draw by Nurnberg last time out, a fortnight ago.

"It is almost as if the season starts all over again," he said. "What happened two weeks ago is no longer important and it has practically been forgotten.

"We now want to make the most of having a home game and present ourselves well to the chancellor."

Sven Bender is in the squad for the first time this season after recovering from injury and this creates the prospect of two twins being on the field against each other.

His brother Lars is almost certain to start for Leverkusen, who are at full strength for a game in which victory is not paramount, according to their joint-coach Sami Hyypia.

"There are 31 games to come after facing Dortmund and there is no point winning in Dortmund if we then lose the next 31," he said.

"Then I would not be happy."