Borussia Dortmund (A) - Tue 25th Oct, 20:00 | Pre-Match Thread

[chesterbells]

I think the main advantage is that you play the second leg at home if you win your group

Quite. And you avoid all the other group winners in the next round, who should be all in-form sides.

 

[Ghostofmerlin]

I think Gundo is certain to start tonight

Pep seems to like to play Gundo with the younger guys.

 

[jimharri]

This'll be no stroll in the park. Even if they're not the force they were a few years back, when they got to the final at Wembley, Dortmund are no mugs. I'd settle for a draw right now. What will Pep's strategy be re the line up; start off with the big hitters and hopefully get a couple of goals up by the hour mark, then start subbing them?

 

[Bazzmand Show]

This'll be no stroll in the park. Even if they're not the force they were a few years back, when they got to the final at Wembley, Dortmund are no mugs. I'd settle for a draw right now. What will Pep's strategy be re the line up; start off with the big hitters and hopefully get a couple of goals up by the hour mark, then start subbing them?

5th in German league, we really should be giving this lot a good hiding.

They are not what they were.

 

[andyhinch]

5th in German league, we really should be giving this lot a good hiding.

They are not what they were.

The dippers are 7th just saying.

 

[jimharri]

5th in German league, we really should be giving this lot a good hiding.

They are not what they were.

As I said in my post. As for them being 5th in the Bundesliga, Copenhagen are currently 8th in the danish Superliga (presumably a weaker league than the German equivalent), and we only managed a draw out there a couple of weeks back. I agree with the main point you're saying, though (not looking for an argument, whether it's the 5 minute version, or the full half hour); if we bring our 'A' game to the table, we ought to win. But we shouldn't take Dortmund for granted. Respect them, but don't fear them.

 

[aguero93:20]

Stuck in London tonight , can anyone recommend a City friendly pub in North London to watch the match? Cheers.

North London tavern in Kilburn.

 

[mat]

Have a feeling Eddie and Erling will be rested for this one.

 

[abu13]

Mahrez seems certain to start every CL game, we just never seem to perform to our potential when he starts.

 

[LongsightM13]

Really? Is that true/up to date? Where’s it from? If so, then basically we’re playing the reserves

We played Copenhagen reserves and fucked that up tbf

 

[chickaroon]

Ederson

Cancelo Stones Diaz Gomez

Gundogan Rodri Bernardo

Foden Haaland Grealish

Would be my choice (assuming Stones is fit enough to start). I think KDB needs a rest, though I suspect he will start in place of Gundogan or Bernardo.

Gomez is suspended.

 

[Protein Junkie]

I think the main advantage is that you play the second leg at home if you win your group

Hopefully do enough to top the group and no injuries.

 

[PragueBlue]

Gomez is suspended.

Cheers. Forgot about that. Ake then I guess. Or Cancelo that side and Akanji at RB.

 

[prestonibbo_mcfc]

For me, pep bluffed in the pre-match interview and will play a weaken line up ? Well I say weaken 11 but It's still better than most Premier League clubs 11

we are in the knockouts JOB done play players that need game time and rest Haaland Ederson Cancelo Rodri Dias Silva, never Gamble when you're ahead because it's pointless taking chances with picking up injuries

You can pick up injuries in training. Do we rest them there also ?

 

[ancoats]

You can pick up injuries in training. Do we rest them there also ?

You're right, but it's more full on when it's game time, plus the other players want to nail you and beat you

 

[ancoats]

No chance. Pep always goes strong until we’ve won the group.

Even then you’ll never see Mahrez as an 8, ever.

So maybe even pep has learnt something new ? That when it comes to the medals and trophy time having fresh players that can go 120 minutes if need be because you rested them in a pointless game

 

[Alan Harper's Tash]

So maybe even pep has learnt something new ? That when it comes to the medals and trophy time having fresh players that can go 120 minutes if need be because you rested them in a pointless game

If you can, put a £1 on that being the lineup.

You'll be able to retire instantly if it is.

 

[abu13]

I think most agree that Mahrez and Grealish in the same team doesn't offer us enough up front, but Pep seems to have a hard on for Mahrez in the CL.

Personally I would rather play Grealish and Foden on the wings either side of Haaland

--------------------Ederson------------------------
Akanji--------Dias-------Laporte-------Cancelo
---------------------Rodri--------------------------
---------Gundo----------------KDB----------------
Mahrez-----------Haaland----------------Foden

 

[blue ranger]

Pep will pick his strongest team. Absolutely zero doubt about that imo.

 

[Nicholas van Whatsisface]

Pep will pick his strongest team. Absolutely zero doubt about that imo.

I can see him resting Rodri for Gundo, and rotating at Centre Back again - but otherwise I’d say you’re spot on!