Venue: Signal Iduna Park Date: Tuesday, 5th March K/o: 19:45
Team News
Borussia Dortmund have a concern regarding the fitness of Mats Hummels- hes been forced to miss their last couple of games, and manager Jurgen Klopp admits that he is a doubt. Its not all bad news however, Lukasz Piszczek who was rested for the victory over Hannover on the weekend is expected to start, whilst Robert Lewandowski will continue to lead the front line, confident in the knowledge that hes scored 8 goals in his last 7 games. Shakhtar Donetsk look like theyll name the same side that hosted Dortmund three weeks ago, however one possible change may see defender Olexander Kucher slot back into the line up. He was on the score sheet for them on Friday in a 4-1 win over Volyn Lutsk, a game that was their first domestic match after the 3 month Ukrainian winter break.
Match Preview
The other European match tonight (contrary to popular belief, the world hasnt stopped for Jose Mourinho) sees the small matter of the German Champions Borussia Dortmund hosting the Ukrainian champions- Shakhtar Donetsk. With the match finely poised at 2-2 from the First Leg- and both teams being renowned for their inventive, attacking style; these sides could be forgiven for feeling hard done by that their tie has been so heavily overshadowed. Both teams should be familiar to fans on British shores, Dortumund had a mightily impressive group stage, remaining unbeaten, and finishing top in a group that included Mourinhos Real Madrid, Dutch heavyweights Ajax and a somewhat overawed Manchester City. Whilst the away team pipped last seasons Champions League victors Chelsea to a spot in the knockout stages, largely thanks to an impressive home victory against the Blues. Borussia Dortmund and Shakhtar Donetsk may have taken time out from the cold during each of their countries respective winter breaks, but its the Ukrainians that have been on red hot form in the league this year. Donetsk find themselves sitting pretty at the top of their domestic table, boasting a record of 18 wins, and 1 loss, scoring an average of just under 3 goals a game so far- but Dortmunds outstanding home form will give reason for encouragement to all those siding with the Bundesliga outfit. Jurgen Klopps men have emerged victorious in all of their Champions League ties on home soil this season- and remain one of just three unbeaten teams in the competition. Defender Mats Hummels late goal salvaged a draw for the German outfit in the first leg, and also meant that they have 2 away goals to fall back on should they need to tonight. If recent history is anything to go by however, scoring goals shouldnt be a problem for Shakhtar; theyve scored 22 goals in their last 11 Champions league away games, and theyll need to be bang on form if theyre to get anything out of this one.
Likely Line-Ups
Borussia Dortmund: Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Subotic, Santana, Schmelzer, Gundogan, Bender, Blaszczykowski, Gotze, Reus Lewandowksi Shakhtar Donetsk: Pyatov, Srna, Chygrynskiy, Rakitskiy, Rat, Hubschman, Fernandinho, Teixeira, Mkhitaryan, Taison, Luiz Adriano Source: BBC Sport