Champions League: Dortmund Seek Double Delight but could Confidence be an Issue?

Borussia Dortmund vs Newcastle United

What a contrasting weekend these two clubs had.

For as Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United prepare to do battle in the Champions League for the second time in a fortnight, their build-up could hardly have been more different.

Now with qualification for the last 16 on a knife edge in the so called ‘group of death’, how will their respective confidence levels be for a potentially crucial Group F contest.

Talking Points

When Dortmund grabbed victory on Tyneside a week and a half ago, it was slightly surprising given the ‘barcodes’ had thrashed PSG just a few weeks earlier.

It was also considered something of a reality check for Newcastle on their European adventure.

Since then, they have drawn at Wolves, knocked holders Man Utd of the League Cup and, on Saturday, defeated previously unbeaten Arsenal.

Their winner may have been controversial but it also underlined a display which highlighted an organisation and resilient streak they have developed under manager Eddie Howe.

They are heady days on Tyneside.

Not so in Dortmund who were hammered at home by arch rivals Bayern Munich.

As they shipped four goals on their own turf without reply, I couldn’t help but think back to my words in May when they experienced ultimate devastation.

On that occasion Dortmund players slumped to the turf as they became the first team since 2000 to lead the table at the start of the final day but not enjoy ultimate success.

In a scarcely believable conclusion to the Bundesliga season, Bayern pipped them to the title in a moment I said could take Dortmund years to get over.

Six months on and they still are struggling.

That was evident on Saturday as England captain Harry Kane’s impressive start to life at Bayern continued when he netted a hat-trick in the statement win.

In a lightning start, they established a 2-0 lead inside the opening 10 minutes as Dayot Upamecano headed them in front before Kane doubled the lead. He then added the third and fourth goals after the break.

Yes, Dortmund have again seen a summer when they have sold their leading talent.

Yes, this was their first defeat in 18 top-flight games (their previous loss was against Bayern in April.

Yes, this ended a run of 25 home matches unbeaten.

Yet Dortmund were outclassed as Bayern seized control from the first whistle.

Even now they are fourth on 21 points, seven behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen and it’s unlikely they will make that up.

Team news wise, Emre Can continues to struggle with the hip issue that he picked up against Newcastle two weeks ago, while none of Marius Wolf, Donyell Malen or Salih Ozcan lasted an hour in Der Klassiker.

A few of them could come under threat for a place in the starting XI from Karim Adeyemi and St James’ Park matchwinner Felix Nmecha. Left-back Ramy Bensebaini could also be set for a recall.

Newcastle have injury issues of their own with Jacob Murphy and Dan Burn both picking up knocks against Arsenal on Saturday evening.

Already on the sidelines are the likes of Matt Targett (hamstring), Alexander Isak (groin), Harvey Barnes (foot), Elliot Anderson (back), Sven Botman (knee) and the suspended Sandro Tonali.

There’s much to play for but the key Champions League highlights could be created by the side which produces the most confident display.

With the ‘yellow wall’ cheering them on, Dortmund’s 12^th man could prove crucial.

History

Given Newcastle’s absence from elite football for most of the past quarter of a century, it’s no surprise that this is only their second ever meeting between these two teams following Dortmund’s impressive success on Tyneside when Nmecha scored the only goal of the game.

But while the Magpies flapped around in the football wilderness Borussia Dortmund were making themselves known, winning the Bundesliga in 2011 and 2012 and reaching the Champions League final in 2013.

Betting Tip

Dortmund are slight favourites to complete a double over the Toon Army with the SBOTOP Champions League betting odds.

They are priced 1X2 @ 2.40 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.23.

Showing these sides are closely matched, Newcastle are on offer with similar odds, including 1X2 @ 2.53 and Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.00.

Another 1-0 success for the Bundesliga boys will pay out @ 9.25 with Correct Score, while another low scoring encounter is available with Total Goal 0-1 @ 3.95.

Other goal options are worth looking at such as Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.94, 4-6 @ 3.05 and Under 2.50 goals @ 2.17.

I am expecting this to finish all square as both sides stay in the hunt for the last 16 so my *** tip is 1X2 Draw @ 3.50.

 

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