Borussia Dortmund vs PSV Eindhoven: Champions League Team News, Preview
By Tushar Bahl
The stakes are high as Borussia Dortmund and PSV Eindhoven square off at the Westfalenstadion on Wednesday in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.
The tie is evenly poised after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg, with Luuk de Jong canceling out Donyell Malen's opener. Borussia Dortmund will hope that their boisterous home support can propel them into the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in three years. But PSV Eindhoven are enjoying an impressive season in the Eredivisie, and will hope to catch BVB off guard with their free flowing attacking football.
Borussia Dortmund's performances in recent weeks have been characterised by laboured and passive play. Their defensive approach helped them keep the Dutch champions in waiting at bay for much of the first leg. And Edin Terzic will hope to see a similarly disciplined performance from his side on Wednesday.
The Black and Yellows will have to make do without Nico Schlotterbeck, who is suspended after picking up a yellow card in the first leg. Also sidelined is Sebastien Haller, but the rest of the BVB squad should be available for selection. Although Julian Ryerson is a doubt after missing training on Tuesday.
Donyell Malen will once again have a key role to play against his former club, while Jadon Sancho will hope to build on his goal from Saturday against Werder Bremen.
PSV Eindhoven have been scoring goals for fun this season, but had their attack blunted by Borussia Dortmund in the first leg. Peter Bosz will certainly be eager to get one over his former club on Wednesday, Luuk de Jong and Johan Bakayoko will be crucial to PSV's hopes in attack once again, while Joey Veerman will marshal their midfield.
Borussia Dortmund vs PSV Eindhoven: Expected Starting XIs
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel - Ryerson, Süle, Hummels, Maatsen - Can, Sabitzer, Brandt - Sancho, Malen - Füllkrug
PSV Eindhoven: Benítez - Teze, Ramalho, Boscagli, Dest - Schouten, Veerman - Bakayoko, Tillman, Lozano - De Jong
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