Borussia Dortmund are aiming for their second win in the UEFA Champions League group stage as they take on Sporting CP on Tuesday. The Bundesliga giants are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach and are in desperate need of a win, as they look to wrap up group C early and focus on their title charge.
Predicted Borussia Dortmund Lineup Vs Sporting
Defence
Marco Rose is likely to persist with the three-man backline he started against Gladbach due to the lack of options in the creative department. As such, Marin Pongracic is once again a favourite to operate at the heart of the backline, accompanied by Mats Hummels and Manuel Akanji on either side.
The new signing from Wolfsburg had to be sacrificed in the last game due to Mahmoud Dahoud’s early dismissal. But this time around, he will be hoping to make a statement and help Dortmund keep their first clean sheet of the campaign.
Another new signing in Gregor Kobel has been one of the best players for Dortmund this season. His performances in between the sticks have been brilliant, to say the least. As such, he remains a guaranteed starter in between the sticks.
Midfield
Moving to midfield, Rose doesn’t have too many options at his disposal. Dahoud was silly to pick up a red card against Gladbach, but with Marco Reus not available, Rose will persist with the German international in the number eight role.
Dahoud will operate slightly on the left side, with Jude Bellingham playing on the other end. It will allow Axel Witsel to operate at the base of Rose’s 3-5-2 formation. The Belgian’s experience will be valuable in helping Dortmund secure a clean sheet and control the game.
Elsewhere, the shift to a three-man backline will allow Thomas Meunier and Raphael Guerreiro to operate as wingbacks. It will give them some much-needed freedom going forward.
Attack
As for the attack, both Marco Reus and Erling Haaland are doubts heading into this game. They are unlikely to start even if they do make the squad, which means Donyell Malen should lead the line once again.
The Dutchman has faced a lot of criticism this season for his lack of performance. But this time around, he will be partnered by the much more experienced Thorgan Hazard in the two-man Dortmund frontline.
