Borussia Dortmund vs PSG: UEFA Champions League - Preview and Prediction

Star-studded PSG are all set to travel to the daunting Westfalenstadion to take on Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their round of 16 clash in the UEFA Champions League.

PSG have one of the most fearsome front line in world football, which helped them sail through the group stage without losing a single game. The Parisians will most certainly start as favourites looking at the talent and calibre at display.

Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, battled it out and triumphed in the group of death. They are a tough nut to crack and on top of that, they are playing at home. 

Thomas Tuchel's side is on course for another league title back home but the owners and fans desperately seek the elusive Champions League. They have had some unfortunate results in the knockout stage of this premier competition and they would want to bury the ghost.

Lucien Favre's side sits at a decent position in the Bundesliga table. The Black and Yellow are known to punch above their weight and PSG should tread very carefully.

This will be only the third meeting between the two sides in history, with the two previous matches resulting in draws during the group stage of the 2010-11 Champions League.

Team News

Dortmund captain Marco Reus is out of this clash, which is a big blow to their chances. Winger Julian Brandt will also miss out with Thomas Delaney being a doubt.

Lucien Favre otherwise has a full squad to choose from and may lineup in a 3-4-3 formation with new signing, Erling Braut Haaland leading the line.

Superstar Neymar returns to the PSG squad in the nick of time. Presnel Kimpembe is a doubt with a thigh problem, which could mean Brazilian pair of Thiago Silva and Marquinhos at the heart of PSG’s defence.

Mauro Icardi and Kylian Mbappe would start up front with Angel Di Maria and Neymar forming a lethal front line.

Key Battles

Erling Braut Haaland vs Marquinhos

Haaland has been in sensational form ever since he arrived at the German shores. He has already scored nine times in six appearances for his new club. The teenager also became the first Bundesliga player to score five goals in his opening two games.

The Norwegian also became the first teenager to score in five consecutive Champions League matches earlier this season. He is known to glide past defences and Marquinhos and co. will have to be on their toes or else he would hurt them.

Marquinhos has been a rock for the French champions ever since he signed for the club. He will bear the primary responsibility of neutralizing the threat being posed by Dortmund’s front three.

The versatile Brazilian has been also deployed in a defensive midfield role but will be back at his favoured position for this crucial clash.

Mats Hummels vs Kylian Mbappe

Hummels is back to his best ever since he returned to the signal Iduna Park. He has played all the six matches in the competition and is averaging 4.7 interceptions and 4.2 clearances per game.

The 2014 World Cup winner will have to bring all his experience into play as look to shut down the famed PSG forward line or else Dortmund will be in for a rough night.

Kylian Mbappe is the blue-eyed boy of world football. His achievements at this age are unmatched and unheard of. His pace and dribbling are out of this world as he looks to capitalize on Hummel’s lack of pace.

The 2017 Golden Boy winner is PSG’s biggest threat and will make life tough for Dortmund. He seems to have a liking for big occasions and will look to add this game to his hallowed collection.

Prediction

PSG have the best defensive record in the Champions League this season having conceded just twice, but they have been knocked out of the competition in the round of 16 in each of the last three seasons. They have also kept a clean sheet in five of their last six Champions League matches.

On the other hand, BVB have only won four of their last 11 Champions League matches and have recorded just five victories in their last 13 European fixtures on home soil. They possess a talented squad but overcoming the attacking prowess of this PSG side will be a herculean task.

This promises to be an entertaining clash, with both the side well stacked in the final third as compared to the back line. We are expecting some eye catchy football with a few goals being scored.

Score Prediction- Borussia Dortmund 2-2 PSG