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Key Matchups: Borussia Dortmund vs. Legia Warsaw

Borussia Dortmund - Training & Press Conference Photo by Lukas Schulze/Bongarts/Getty Images

Borussia Dortmund will continue its Champions League campaign with a match against Polish side Legia Warsaw. The last time these teams met in the Polish capital, Dortmund scored six times in a thumping of the hosts.

Dortmund is coming off a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich on the weekend and most recently defeated Sporting Portugal in the Champions League at home, 1-0. Dortmund will have the Wesfalenstadion all to themselves this time around as no away fans will be permitted in the arena.

Legia Warsaw has won four straight in the Ekstraklasa, including a 4-1 win on Friday over table-toppers Jagiellonia Bialystok. In an empty home arena during their latest Champions League match, Warsaw drew Real Madrid, 3-3.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Distance Shooting

Legia scored all three of its goals against Real Madrid from outside the 18-yard box. It was Madrid’s failure to close down Warsaw’s midfielders that led to three goals from the hosts. The Dortmund defense and midfielders will have to step up on Legia’s attacking players in order to prevent any shots from distance causing a threat.

KEY TO THE GAME: Pace and Possession

A big “no duh” on the possession aspect, but Dortmund needs to win the game by outpacing its opponent. Using weapons like Aubameyang, Ramos, Dembele, Mor, etc. should be enough to ensure the home side is faster than their opponents. In turn, winning the pace battle allows for longer spells of possession and greater scoring opportunities.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Guilherme

The Brazilian has found himself more involved offensively as of late. Look for him to be Legia’s main creator of scoring chances Tuesday as uncertainty over which striker should play continues to mount; a relatively good problem for Legia to have.

PROJECTED LINEUP:

  • Formation: 4-2-3-1
  • Goalkeeper: Arkadiusz Malarz
  • Defenders: Adam Hlousek, Michal Pazdan, Jakub Rzezniczak, Bartosz Bereszynski
  • Midfielder: Michal Kopczynski, Thibault Moulin, Aleksandar Prijovic, Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe, Guilherme
  • Forward: Michal Kucharczyk

PREDICTION: Dortmund 4-1

Dortmund has found its confidence following a lengthy international break and looks to be heading uphill as the team gets healthier. With Marco Reus set to make his debut on Tuesday, BVB will take this momentum to a win.