Tottenham Hotspur vs Borussia Dortmund

Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund lock horns on UCL Match Day 7 while sitting next to each other in 11th and 10th place, respectively, with equal points. Both sides renew a familiar European rivalry, having faced each other six times in UEFA competition. While Dortmund took the upper hand in their earliest meetings—winning both legs of the 2015/16 Europa League round of 16—the balance has since shifted firmly in Spurs’ favour. Tottenham have won each of the last four encounters between the sides, most notably in the 2018/19 Champions League round of 16. On that occasion, Spurs delivered a dominant 3-0 victory in London before completing the job with a 1-0 win in Dortmund, underlining their growing authority in this fixture. The north London club also arrive with a strong recent record against German opposition. They are unbeaten in their last five UEFA matches against German teams (W3 D2) and boast an imposing home record in Europe, remaining undefeated in their last 23 home European matches (W19 D4). Home form has been particularly impressive in this season’s Champions League. Tottenham have won all three of their home matches in the competition without conceding a single goal, highlighting both their attacking efficiency and defensive solidity in north London. Under Thomas Frank, Spurs have shown an ability to strike early and build momentum. They have opened the scoring in their last three Champions League matches, going on to net three or more goals in each of those fixtures. They will be looking to find the back of the net here once again while keeping the BVB out. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Randal Kolo Muani in attack is expected against Dortmund.

Dortmund, however, arrive with their own attacking credentials. The German side have scored first in five of their six Champions League matches this season, suggesting their threat from the opening stages. That said, recent trips to England have proven challenging, with Dortmund losing seven of their last eight away European matches against English opposition. Nevertheless, bouncing back to winning [WWLWD] ways will be the objective following a 2-2 draw with Bodo/Glimt. With Tottenham’s formidable home form meeting Dortmund’s tendency to start fast, the contest sets up as a clash between control and initiative, with both sides possessing clear reasons to believe they can impose themselves on the night. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Serhou Guirassy in attack may be seen against Spurs.