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## High Stakes in North London: Tottenham Host Borussia Dortmund in Crucial Champions League Tie
A pivotal Champions League encounter looms large in North London this Tuesday evening as Tottenham Hotspur prepare to welcome German giants Borussia Dortmund to their home turf. This matchday seven clash pits two sides, 10th-placed Borussia Dortmund and 11th-placed Spurs, who are currently level on points in the league phase standings. With Dortmund holding a marginal advantage on goals scored, the battle for a coveted top-eight finish is heating up, promising a tension-filled spectacle.
For Tottenham, Europe has often provided a welcome sanctuary from their domestic struggles this season. The Lilywhites remain firmly in contention for automatic qualification to the last 16, having secured three victories from their opening six league-phase matches. Their most recent European outing saw Spurs deliver a convincing 3-0 dispatch of Slavia Prague at home, a result that propelled them to within a single point of the top eight. Impressively, this victory also extended their pristine defensive record in Champions League home fixtures throughout the current campaign.
However, the euphoria was short-lived. Confidence at Tottenham was quickly eroded over the weekend following a disheartening 2-1 defeat to West Ham in the Premier League. This result marked their third consecutive loss across all competitions, intensifying the scrutiny surrounding manager Frank’s position as pressure mounts.
Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, arrive in London with their Champions League aspirations potentially representing their brightest path to silverware this season. Their domestic campaign has faltered, leaving them well adrift of Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga title race, and they’ve already exited the DFB-Pokal. BVB experienced a frustrating 2-2 draw against Bodo/Glimt on matchday six, twice surrendering leads. Defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in their away fixtures during the league phase, have been a recurring concern for the German outfit.
## Squad Updates & Absences for the Champions League Clash
### Tottenham’s Mounting Injury Woes
Tottenham’s squad depth will be severely tested on Tuesday evening. A significant blow comes with the suspension of defender Micky van de Ven, ruling him out of action. Adding to their defensive worries, Ben Davies faces an extended period on the sidelines after sustaining a fractured ankle against West Ham.
Further complicating matters, several key attacking and midfield talents remain unavailable due to injury, including Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, and Richarlison. Youngsters Mathys Tel and Radu Dragusin are also ineligible for this competition. Midfielder Joao Palhinha is a doubt after picking up a knock, and the match is expected to come too soon for Pape Sarr following his recent involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations.
### Dortmund’s Relatively Clear Bill of Health
In contrast, Borussia Dortmund present a healthier squad profile. Marcel Sabitzer is their only confirmed absentee, sidelined with a calf issue. Positive news for BVB sees the return of Aaron Anselmino and Ramy Bensebaini to contention. Upfront, Fabio Silva is tipped to lead the line, retaining his place ahead of Serhou Guirassy after a string of strong performances.
## Expected Line-ups for Tottenham v Borussia Dortmund
Here’s how both teams are anticipated to line up for this crucial fixture:
**Tottenham**: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Danso, Spence; Gray, Bergvall; Odobert, Simons, Kolo Muani; Solanke
**Borussia Dortmund**: Kobel; Can, Anton, Schlotterbeck; Ryerson, Bellingham, Nmecha, Svensson; Adeyemi, Brandt; Silva
## Catch the Action: Broadcast Details
The highly anticipated showdown between Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund is scheduled for Tuesday evening at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with kick-off set for **8pm (UK time)**.
For viewers in the UK, the match will be broadcast live on **TNT Sports**, specifically available on **TNT Sports 2**. Supporters can also access an online stream of the game via **discovery+**, compatible with various devices.
## Crucial Numbers: Pre-Match Statistics
* Tottenham boast an impressive unbeaten streak in their last four competitive encounters with Borussia Dortmund.
* Spurs have transformed their home ground into a fortress in Europe, keeping a clean sheet in all three of their Champions League home matches this season.
* Conversely, Borussia Dortmund have shown defensive frailties on the road, conceding a significant 10 goals in away Champions League fixtures during the league phase.
* However, BVB’s attacking prowess is undeniable; they have found the back of the net in every single one of their away matches across all competitions this season.
* Tottenham currently sit just one point outside the Champions League top eight after six league-phase games, underscoring the importance of this fixture.
## Our Verdict: A Tightly Contested Draw
**Tottenham 1-1 Borussia Dortmund**
While Tottenham’s European home form has been a shining light this season, the cumulative toll of injuries, suspensions, and recent domestic struggles might finally tell. Borussia Dortmund’s consistent threat in front of goal away from home could prove decisive, yet a tightly contested draw, where both sides cancel each other out, seems the most probable outcome.