Borussia Dortmund travel to Stamford Bridge with a slender 1-0 advantage going into the second-leg Champions League tie against Chelsea. It’s a massive chance for BVB to inflict more misery on the hosts while continuing their unbeaten streak in 2023. Despite this match involving two teams in completely different types of forms, it’s not going to be straightforward for Marco Reus and Co. 

Chelsea finally got back to winning ways domestically last weekend when Wesley Fofana scored the only goal in a 1-0 over strugglers Leeds United. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund kept the pressure on Bayern Munich by beating fellow top-four rival RB Leipzig 2-1. 

In the first leg, Chelsea enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and chances, particularly in the first 45 minutes. Portuguese international João Félix missed a number of key chances. Expect Chelsea to dominate the ball on Tuesday night in front of a home crowd. However, the longer they fail to turn chances into goals, the supporters could turn and get on their backs. 

Team news

Three weeks ago, Karim Adeyemi’s amazing solo goal proved to be the difference between Dortmund and Chelsea. However, the young German international isn’t available for the return leg due to injury. Likewise, Julian Ryerson is missing due to suspension while Donyell Malen and Gregor Kobel remain doubtful due to injury. Both have travelled to London with a decision set to be made on the day of the match. 

This may seem like an advantage for Chelsea, and it is. However, there’s a similar amount of injuries in the Chelsea camp. The club’s team doctors will also be working hard to try and ensure that some players are up for selection. Armando Broja, Edouard Mendy, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Thiago Silva are all expected to miss out. However, ex-Dortmunder Christian Pulisic, N’Golo Kante, and Reece James could make the squad or starting eleven.  

Current domestic form

Borussia Dortmund:

W W W W W W

Chelsea: 

D D L L L W

GGFN | Jamie Allen