Borussia Dortmund will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways in the Champions League when they host Zenit St. Petersburg on Wednesday. The Black and Yellows were the only German side to fail to secure a win in the European competitions last week, but having registered a 3-0 win over arch-rivals FC Schalke in the Revierderby on the weekend, they are heading into this game full of confidence.
Predicted Borussia Dortmund Lineup Vs Zenit
Defence
The scarcity of central defenders forced Lucien Favre to revert to a back four on Saturday but the Swiss tactician is likely to continue with a similar formation as Emre Can is unavailable after contracting Coronavirus.
Dortmund were boosted by the return of Manuel Akanji against Schalke, so he might form the central defensive pairing alongside Mats Hummels, who will be hoping for an improved performance following a horrid display against Lazio.
Thomas Meunier has been an ever-present figure at right-back for Dortmund and that isn’t going to change anytime soon. The same cannot be said for Raphael Guerreiro, however, with the Portuguese international likely to make way for Felix Passlack at left-back while Nico Schulz is also an option.
Roman Burki is a guaranteed starter in goal after making his comeback on Saturday.
Midfield
Axel Witsel was rested in the last game and is more than likely to return to the side, at the expense of Mahmoud Dahoud, even though the German was one of the best performers for Dortmund in the derby.
Witsel is most likely to partner the young Jude Bellingham in the double-pivot, with Thomas Delaney returning to the bench. Julian Brandt, meanwhile, was excellent in the number ten role. But, he might also have to make way for Marco Reus, who could enjoy playing in the attacking midfield position.
Attack
Moving forward, Jadon Sancho is expected to retain his role in the starting lineup. He is set to operate at right-wing, but his attacking partner Giovanni Reyna might make way as Dortmund welcome Thorgan Hazard back into the starting lineup after a brief injury layoff.
These two will look to provide creative support to lone striker Erling Haaland, who scored the only goal in the defeat to Lazio last time out. The Norwegian forward will be desperate to extend his scoring tally this midweek.
