Newcastle United vs Borussia Dortmund preview
The 2023-24 Champions League will now move to a crucial phase, with the game week three scheduled to be played between October 24-25. One peculiar thing about game week three is that the same teams will play each other in the reverse fixture in the next game week. So, if PSG face AC Milan at home in gameweek three, they will travel to San Siro for game week four. Hence, game week three is the start of an essential phase for teams looking for qualification to the round of 16.
And one of the most pivotal clashes will be between Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United. In fact, Group F has been made in such a way that every game week will bring two top clashes. After two games, Newcastle United sit on top of the table courtesy of their brilliant 4-1 win over Paris Saint Germain two weeks back.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund are bottom of the table with no win in their two outings. Their star in the tournament is in contrast with their league form, where they are fourth, only two points adrift of top-place Bayer Leverkusen.
Dortmund this season have been heavily reliant on Julian Brandt, who has been their creative force for the team. The German has provided four assists and created 26 chances, the second-most in the league.
However, form has eluded them so far in the Champions League, which is why this game against Newcastle is a perfect opportunity to mount some kind of comeback.
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s men are on sky-high confidence after their win over PSG. A win like this is historic for a club like the Magpies, who are now looking to break into the European elite club list.
Furthermore, the club have not been overly reliant on any single player. This, combined with their newly found squad depth, has ensured that any injury or suspension does not negate the quality of the team.
Alexander Isak and Antony Gordon were supreme in attack, with Kieran Trippier being the creative force and Bruno Guimaraes bossing the game in the middle of the park.
Newcastle United vs Borussia Dortmund lineups
Newcastle United lineup
Newcastle United will be now more secured after Joelinton and Antony Gordon returned from injuries and featured prominently in their 4-0 win over Crystal Palace. Gordon even got on the scoresheet. Even Isak didn’t feature in the starting 11, making only a substitute appearance, which means he will be fresh for the Champions League game.
The goalkeeper and the back four are expected to be the same, with Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, and Kieran Trippier. Guimaraes will form a triumvirate in midfield with Sean Longstaff and Joelinton. Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron will replace Jacob Murphy and Callum Wilson in the attack.
Newcastle predicted lineup: Pope; Burn, Schar, Lascelles, Trippier; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Longstaff; Gordon, Isak, Almiron
Borussia Dortmund lineup
Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, are coming off a strongly fought 1-0 win over Werder Bremen. Julian Brandt scored the only goal and will be expected to perform similarly if the Germans want to come away with anything from St. James Park. With the options and the quality of the Newcastle side, Edin Terzic will most likely play the same slide, which will comprise off a backline consisting of Julian Ryerson, Nico Schlotterbeck, Matt Hummels, and Marius Wolf.
Ahead of them will be a three-man midfield of Donyell Malen, Emre Can, and Felix Nmecha, with Marco Reus and Brandt playing ahead as the creative midfielders with last season’s Bundesliga top scorer Niclas Fullkrug as the sole striker.
Borussia Dortmund predicted lineup: Kobel; Ryerson, Schlotterbeck, Hummels, Wolf; Malen, Emre Can, Nmecha; Reus, Brandt; Fullkrug
Newcastle United vs Borussia Dortmund predictions
Based on the starting 11, bench strength, form, and home support, Newcastle United look clear favourites to take all three points from the game. Moreover, their win over PSG has given them the confidence that they can put the best of teams to the sword if they perform at their best.
And with the home back backing them, it looks a very tall order for Borussia Dortmund to trouble them seriously.
FootTheBall predicts a 3-1 win for Newcastle United.
