Dortmund and Tottenham have licence to thrill
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Article summary
"We're expecting a fast-paced game and a very intense encounter," said Borussia Dortmund's Thomas Tuchel, as they welcome a Tottenham Hotspur team in a hectic spell.
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Article body
- Second in the Bundesliga takes on second in the Premier League
- Dortmund are 11 matches unbeaten in 2016, winning nine
- Home coach Thomas Tuchel predicts "a fast-paced game"
- "It will be interesting to see which team can impose its style on the other," he says
- Mauricio Pochettino ready to rotate with Tottenham in league and European contention
Possible lineups
Dortmund: Weidenfeller; Piszczek, S Bender, Hummels, Durm; Castro, Weigl, Gündogan, Mkhitaryan; Reus, Aubameyang.
Out: Papastopoulos (groin)
Doubtful: none
Misses next match if booked: Bender
Tottenham: Lloris; Trippier, Wimmer, Alderweireld, Davies; Bentaleb, Mason; Carroll, Chadli, Son; Kane.
Out: Alli (suspended), Njié (knee), Vertonghen (knee), Rose (calf), Clinton (knee), Dier (rested)
Doubtful: none
Misses next match if booked: Davies
Thomas Tuchel, Dortmund coach
I did not come here to change the team. Things happen because of the talent of the players, which sets new milestones. It will be interesting to see which team can impose its style on the other. We're expecting a fast-paced game and a very intense encounter. We are looking forward to this match because of the tradition both clubs have.
Have Manchester City made an offer for İlkay Gündoğan? I don't care about these rumours. Gündoğan knows why he is here and how he can develop with BVB. If he decides to leave, we will be able to handle it.
Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham manager
We have a very tough game against Borussia Dortmund and I think the Europa League and Premier League are both our priority now because we have two competitions left. But at the same time, we are in a period that is tough for the players and sometimes you need to refresh the team and sometimes you need to rotate.
It is difficult to play every game with the same team and for that reason, from the beginning of the season, we always spoke about the important thing being to have a big squad – and that all the players feel they are important and the starting XI is the best team we can pick to try to win the game.
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Dortmund: DWWWWW
Tottenham: DLWWLD
Reporter's view: Daniel Thacker (@UEFAcomDanielT)
Dortmund boast an impressive home record this season in the UEFA Europa League and Bundesliga (W15 D2 L1), but their attacking trio of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marco Reus will have to be at their best against the Premier League's meanest defence. Perhaps more crucial will be what happens at the other end: if Erik Lamela or Harry Kane can grab an away goal it could be key.
Did you know?
Spurs have not lost in four friendly meetings with Dortmund and have conceded just once in seven competitive home fixtures against German sides. Find out more in our match background.
