Tottenham Hotspur vs. Borussia Dortmund Champions League preview: Team news and predicted lineups

[(Tottenham Hotspur F.C.) Strength]:
1. Tottenham Hotspur, having finally secured Champions League qualification after a two-season absence by winning the UEFA Europa League, are now determined to translate their domestic disappointment into success on the international stage.
2. Tottenham Hotspur's summer signing Xavi Simons, who joined from RB Leipzig for a substantial fee, has produced relatively average performances amid the physical intensity of the Premier League. However, he has thrived in the Champions League, where his excellent technical skills are on full display, allowing him to consistently create dangerous scoring opportunities with incisive passing.
3. Tottenham Hotspur have kept clean sheets in all three of their Champions League home matches, demonstrating formidable defensive control at their own ground and a strong adaptation to the rhythm of the competition.
4. In the last six encounters between the two sides, Tottenham Hotspur have emerged victorious in four and suffered two defeats. Notably, they have completed a double over Borussia Dortmund in their two most recent meetings, scoring a total of 4 goals while keeping clean sheets on both occasions.

[(Tottenham Hotspur F.C.) Weakness]:
1. Tottenham Hotspur are grappling with an extensive injury crisis. Key defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha, central midfielder Bentancur, and attacking midfielder Maddison are all sidelined due to injury. Additionally, pivotal defender Micky van de Ven will be suspended due to accumulated yellow cards.
2. The team's top scorer, Richarlison, who has contributed 8 goals and 3 assists this season, will also miss the match due to injury. Even more critically, the primary playmaker, Kudus, is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
3. Manager Thomas Frank is under severe pressure and faces a genuine dismissal crisis. With the team already eliminated from all domestic cup competitions and currently trailing the Champions League places by 9 points in the league, success in the Champions League represents one of Frank's few remaining lifelines.
4. Tottenham Hotspur are now on a five-match winless run. During this stretch, they have conceded 8 goals while scoring only 6, highlighting clear deficiencies in both defense and offense.
5. Tottenham Hotspur suffered a last-gasp 1-2 defeat to relegation-threatened West Ham United in their last outing. Despite registering 21 shots, only 6 were on target, highlighting a woeful performance in the final third. The defeat to a relegation-threatened side has plunged manager Thomas Frank into a sacking crisis.

[(Borussia Dortmund) Strength]:
1. Borussia Dortmund currently trail Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich by 11 points, making the league title a distant prospect. As a result, the team are urgently focused on achieving a deeper run and better results in the Champions League.
2. Guirassy has maintained exceptional scoring form in the Champions League. Since the start of last season, he has directly contributed to more goals than any other player in the competition, also making him the outright top scorer in the Champions League over this period.
3. Brandt has successfully scored 9 goals and provided 2 assists this season, making him the team's second-highest scorer behind Guirassy. Beyond his goal contributions, he excels at linking the team's defense and attack from midfield. His technique is also outstanding, whether unleashing powerful long-range strikes or converting rebounds in the box.
4. Borussia Dortmund center-back Schlotterbeck has attracted fierce interest from several top European clubs. He is not only a robust and commanding presence in front of his own goal but also possesses excellent ball-playing abilities. Furthermore, he poses a significant aerial threat in attack, having already contributed 2 goals and 1 assist this season.
5. Borussia Dortmund currently sit second in the Bundesliga with relatively less pressure. They trail leaders Bayern Munich by 11 points, while also enjoying a 6-point cushion above the non-Champions League places. With domestic cup commitments no longer a factor, the team can now focus all their efforts on the Champions League campaign.
6. Borussia Dortmund are currently on a seven-match unbeaten run, having secured four wins and three draws. During this streak, they have scored 15 goals while conceding 8, showcasing formidable attacking prowess with an average output of over two goals per game.

[(Borussia Dortmund) Weakness]:
1. In their last match, Borussia Dortmund secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Bundesliga bottom side FC St. Pauli. Despite dominating possession, they failed to translate it into a decisive advantage, instead allowing the opponents numerous high-quality counter-attacks, which highlighted significant deficiencies in their control of the game.
2. Borussia Dortmund's away form this season has been noticeably weaker than at home. In 14 away matches this season, they have managed only 6 wins, 6 draws, and 2 losses. Their last two away games also ended in draws.

[Tips]:
Currently, Tottenham Hotspur are severely depleted by injuries and absences, leaving their squad in a fractured state. With manager Thomas Frank under significant pressure regarding his future, the team are likely to adopt a deeply defensive approach in this Champions League fixture, prioritizing a draw at home.

Borussia Dortmund lack a clear, effective method to break down organized defensive blocks. Compounding this, Frank has built his reputation as a defensively astute coach.

Therefore, It is highly likely that Tottenham Hotspur will secure a home draw and even create opportunities to catch Borussia Dortmund off guard with sharp counter-attacks.

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