Borussia Dortmund vs Ajax: Talking points ahead of crucial Champions League tie

Does Marco Rose stick with a back three?

Borussia Dortmund’s heavy defeat to Ajax two weeks ago prompted Marco Rose to switch to a back three formation. The change in formation has helped them claim three wins, and two of those have come with clean sheets.

But the limitations of the system were also visible at the weekend when FC Köln managed to dominate the game against Borussia Dortmund. The Billy Goats pressed high up the pitch, moved the ball quickly through midfield and forced Gregor Kobel into making a number of important saves. They created a host of big chances and were unlucky not to come away from the game with at least a point.

Marco Rose reverted to the back four formation mid-way through the second half against Köln, and Borussia Dortmund were able to press more effectively after that.

Ajax are a much more clinical and well-rounded team than Köln, as we saw two weeks ago. They will pose a big threat with their counter-pressing and high octane football. And Marco Rose faces a tough decision on whether to stick with the back three or switch to a back four.