Borussia Dortmund host Zenit St. Petersburg in must win game: Champions League Preview

Lucien Favre and Borussia Dortmund face a must win game against Zenit (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)
Lucien Favre and Borussia Dortmund face a must win game against Zenit (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Artem Dzyuba will lead the line for Zenit (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
Artem Dzyuba will lead the line for Zenit (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images) /

Players to Watch

Marco Reus is set to return to the starting XI, and he will be looking to lead from the front with a strong performance against Zenit. The Borussia Dortmund captain got a goal and an assist the last time he faced the Russian side (back in 2014). And a good performance from him on Wednesday will go a long way in helping him recapture the form we know he is capable of producing.

Erling Haaland has enjoyed an excellent start to the season, scoring seven goals in eight appearances. The Dortmund number nine also has 11 goals in just nine Champions League appearances, and will no doubt be looking to add to that against Zenit.

With Sardar Azmoun and Malcom likely to miss the game, the responsibility of providing the attacking threat for Zenit will fall on Artem Dzyuba. The 32 year old is the focal point of the Zenit attack, and has seven goals to go along with four assists in 13 appearances this season.

Dejan Lovren will also be key for Zenit. The former Liverpool centre-back is a strong defender and will also be a threat on the other end of the pitch during set-pieces.