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Borussia Dortmund, since beating Sporting Portugal back on October 18, has tied its last three matches in all competitions. Most recently, Dortmund played to a scoreless draw at home against struggling Schalke 04.
Sporting CP finds themselves in a similar situation, drawing its last two league matches. This past weekend, Sporting endured a scoreless draw with CD Nacional.
The last match for Sporting in the Champions League came in the form of a home loss to Dortmund, with Julian Weigl getting his first ever professional goal for BVB.
Highlights: CLICK HERE
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Ball Movement...Again
Dortmund were primarily successful the first time around against Sporting in cutting out passes, limiting Sporting to 74% accuracy, including a paltry 67% in the Dortmund half. If BVB can limit Sporting’s passes, yet again, they should finally earn a much needed victory.
KEY TO THE GAME: Possession Battle; Early Goal
Dortmund was able to control possession for the majority of their match against Sporting last time out as well as getting a goal inside ten minutes. Sporting struggles to play from behind. SCP has also flourished when controlling possession and thoroughly struggled when held to under 50% possession.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Bryan Ruiz
The Costa Rican is the main threat offensively for Sporting. Whether he is lining up at midfield or striker, Ruiz is a solid playmaker and can cause opposing defenses with his speed, precision, and unpredictability.
PROJECTED LINEUP
- Formation: 4-5-1
- Goalkeeper: Rui Patricio
- Defense: Marvin Zeegelaar, Ruben Semedo, Sebastian Coates, Ezequiel Schelotto
- Midfield: Brian Ruiz, Lazar Markovic, William Carvalho, Joel Campbell, Gelson Martins
- Attack: Bas Dost
PREDICTIONS: 2-2 draw
Dortmund hasn’t shown too much lately, and with a team like Sporting on the horizon, the victory BVB so desperately needs probably won’t be coming on Tuesday. Dortmund needs to score early but will likely fall behind, only to rescue a result in the dying stages.