Tottenham Hotspur vs. Borussia Dortmund Champions League preview: Team news and predicted lineups

Here’s our preview for the clash of Tottenham and Dortmund on Matchday 7 of the UEFA Champions League – with form, team news and predicted lineups included.

Borussia Dortmund made a relatively bright start to life in 2026, picking up a pair of wins and a draw in their opening three games since the Bundesliga’s restart. Still, consistencies in the performances leaves a lot to be desired. 

Despite leading by two goals at one point last Saturday afternoon, Dortmund required a late penalty to give them a 3-2 win over FC St. Pauli. Now, Niko Kovač and Co. must resume Champions League duties in midweek.

It’s worth noting that BVB’s last European outing left a sour taste in fans’ mouths too. Hosting a big underdog in FK Bodø/Glimt, the Westphalians were pegged back twice in a 2-2 draw in which they were favoured to win well.

In doing so, Dortmund passed up on two vital points – a reward which would have left them in the top-eight direct qualifying spots. With just two games remaining, BVB will essentially need big results to rectify the errors of their ways.

Perhaps one saving grace for Kovač’s side is they travel to London, facing a Tottenham Hotspur side caught in the doldrums. Thomas Frank has managed just three wins in in their last 15 games across all competitions. 

Therefore, this has the hallmarks of what will likely be a cagey game. With BVB and Spurs both locked on 11 points just outside the top-eight, neither side will want to make a slip. Expect this fixture to go down to the wire. 

Team news and predicted lineups:

Niko Kovač’s side should travel to North London with a clean bill of health. Only Marcel Sabitzer (calf) hasn’t travelled, while Aaron Anselmino returns after a considerable layoff with a hamstring injury. 

As for the hosts, Spurs, their personnel issues are worse. James Maddison (ACL tear) is out. Furthermore, a trio of stars in Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison and Rodrigo Bentancur are suffering from various hamstring issues. 

Click here to see our Tottenham Hotspur vs. Borussia Dortmund lineups.