UEFA Champions League – Dortmund-Tottenham – Borussia Dortmund v Tottenham preview: all you need to know

Reporter’s view (Daniel Thacker, UEFA.com): Dortmund may never have overturned a three-goal deficit, but they came mighty close against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals five years ago. That second-leg showing in 2013/14 can serve as inspiration for the hosts – who are in bullish pre-match mood – but Tottenham, buoyed by recent good results against BVB and with the prize of only a second UEFA Champions League quarter-final in their history within reach, should have enough nous to stave off a fightback.

First leg: Spurs 3-0 Dortmund

Possible line-ups

Dortmund: Bürki; Wolf, Akanji, Zagadou, Diallo; Delaney, Witsel; Sancho, Reus Guerreiro; Götze
Out: Piszczek (foot)
Doubtful: Pulišić (muscle)
Misses next match if booked: Weigl

Tottenham: Lloris; Alderweireld, Sánchez, Vertonghen; Aurier, Sissoko, Wanyama, Rose; Eriksen, Son, Kane
Out
: Alli (hamstring), Trippier (fitness)
Doubtful: Dier (illness), Winks (hip)
Misses next match if booked: Alderweireld, Lamela, Son

MAKE FANTASY CHANGES

Player focus: Jadon Sancho

Player focus: Jadon Sancho

Key battle

Akanji v Kane: Dortmund sorely missed the injured Manuel Akanji’s athleticism and anticipation in the Wembley first leg. To stand any chance of progression to the quarter-finals, BVB cannot afford to concede an away goal; for that to be the case, the fit-again Swiss defender must shackle Harry Kane, who has scored three goals in as many appearances against Dortmund.

Where to watch

Fans can find their local UEFA Champions League broadcast partner(s) here.

Flashback

Flashback

Form guide

Dortmund
Last game: Augsburg 2-1 Dortmund (01/03)
Form: LWDLDDDWWW

Tottenham
Last game: Tottenham 1-1 Arsenal (02/03)
Form: DLLWWWWLLW

Lucien Favre speaks to the media on Monday

Lucien Favre speaks to the media on Monday©Getty Images

Lucien Favre, Dortmund coach

We can’t talk about [beating Atlético 4-0 earlier this season]. Every game is different. The first leg is done and this is a different situation. We know we can score goals, but we have to play very cleverly. Of course, the most important thing is to produce a top performance. Anything is possible. We know it’s tough, but you never know.

Mauricio Pochettino, Spurs manager

It’s a great opportunity to play and go through to the next round in an important competition like the Champions League. It’s going to be a tough game. We need to forget the first leg. It’s important to start at a very good level – be aggressive, fight from the beginning, high tempo, that’s key.

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