Preview: Sporting CP vs Borussia Dortmund | OneFootball

There is no time for deep reflection for Niko Kovač’s Borussia Dortmund following the boss’s debut 1-2 loss to VfB Stuttgart last weekend in the Bundesliga. His side travels to Lisbon to face Sporting CP on Tuesday in the first of two installments, which will determine who progresses to the Last 16 of the Champions League.

Here is your preview of Sporting CP vs Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

Champions League and Domestic Form

Borussia Dortmund came within one point of securing an automatic place in the Last 16 of the Champions League but, like many other European clubs, ultimately fell short.

BVB finished four places and some 13 points ahead of Sporting in the league phase and will fancy their chances against a side who have fallen on rough times since the departure of Ruben Amorim to Manchester United.

Since Amorim left for the Premier League, Sporting have gone winless in the Champions League. New boss Rui Borges has managed to steady the ship domestically, however, by keeping hold of first place in Liga Portugal by four points.

In comparison to Dortmund, domestically, they’ve been a shambles. Now under the management of Niko Kovač, BVB are desperately trying to climb their way back up the table. Currently in 11th and seven points off fourth, a recent supercomputer gave they a 5.1% chance of finishing 4th this campaign.

The tie appears to be a tale of complete opposites. In the Champions League, BVB are much more consistent, whereas domestically, it’s Sporting who look the better outfit.

One stat that does bow well for Sporting is that they are unbeaten in their last seven matches in all tournaments at home.

Team News

Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund were without deadline-day signing Carney Chukwuemeka, who picked up a knock training, for their game against Stuttgart last weekend. However, the loanee is now back in training and could be available for Tuesday’s game.

One player Dortmund will be without is full-back Ramy Benebaini. The Algerian is suffering from a muscle strain and will be rested ahead of the weekend. This means that new singing Daniel Svensson could make his Champions League debut for BVB on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Felix Nmecha remains sidelined with a knee injury for the next few weeks.

Sporting CP

The hosts will be without Morten Hjulmand, who is suspended for one match following three yellow cards during the league phase. The Dane will be in the stands alongside Pedro Goncalves, Joao Simoes and Nuno Santos, who are all missing through injury.

Matheus Reis and Ousmane Diomande both saw red in Sporting’s last game against rivals FC Porto but are both available for the Champions League tie. Swedish sensation Viktor Gyokeres started on the bench for the derby but is likely to start on Tuesday.

Overall, this should be a tight game, with both sides having reason to be optimistic and slightly reserved simultaneously, given each other’s struggles in recent months. Don’t be surprised if this one ends in a draw, with it all to play for in Dortmund the following week.

GGFN | Jamie Allen