Dortmund vs Liverpool Match Preview
The most anticipated Clash of the season is upon us as Liverpool face Dortmund in the historic Westfalenstadion in the Europa League quarterfinals. It will be Klopp’s homecoming and the folks there are very excited to see him on the touchline once again. A warm welcome is expected for the German but after that, an intense battle will get underway between the two Giants.
The atmosphere will be electric and like never seen before as both set of fans will sing the YNWA anthem. It is going to be interesting to see how Jurgen Klopp will name his team and the one guy who knows everything about the opponents is Klopp. He faces a dilemma over the fitness of Roberto Firmino but it is expected to be a strong lineup just as against Spurs.
Both sides are meeting after a gap of 15 long years and last time round, Liverpool came out on top. Last year the sides met in a friendly which the reds run out with a 4-0 victory. But the men from Dortmund are playing at a supreme level and they deserve to be in the later stages of the Champions League let alone Europa. Borussia Dortmund have lost just one match since Christmas and it will be Klopp’s toughest test during his reign in Merseyside.
Liverpool have to be extra cautious because five players namely Nathaniel Clyne, Alberto Moreno, Dejan Lovren, Coutinho, and Firmino are one yellow card away from being suspended.
Team News :
Good news for the reds is that Roberto Firmino took part in today’s training and is expected to start in the all important game. That means either James Milner or Daniel Sturridge will have to miss out. Other than that no other new injuries in the squad and Danny Ings, Joe Gomez and Christian Benteke are the long-term absentees. Lucas Leiva has returned to training but has not travelled with the squad to Germany.
Ilkay Gundogan, Sokratis ,and Mats Hummels have all returned to training meaning Thomas Tuchel has a full strength squad to pick out for the game. Gundogan was expected to miss the clash but his return will serve as a blow to the reds.
Players to watch out for :
Coutinho and Firmino are in super form this year and the duo will have to be at their best to dislodge the Germans at their stadium.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been one of Europe’s finest strikers this season and Sakho has his work cut out against the Gabon international. Liverpool have to keep the star striker quiet if the reds want a chance to proceed into the semis.
Predicted lineups :
Borussia Dortmund : Burki, Piszczek, Hummels, Sokratis, Schmelzer, Castro, Weigl, Durm, Mkhitaryan, Reus, Aubameyang.
Liverpool : Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno, Can, Henderson, Milner, Coutinho, Lallana, Firmino.
Form Facts :
1. Liverpool are unbeaten in the Europa League this season with winning 4 and drawing 6.
2. Dortmund have scored 8 goals in their last 4 games in the Europa.
3. The black and yellows are unbeaten in their last 9 home games in all competitions.
Betting Odds :
Dortmund win : 1/2
Liverpool win : 5/1
Draw : 100/30.
Prediction :
Borussia Dortmund 2 – 1 Liverpool.
