How Dortmund could lineup against PSG in UCL semi-finals 1st leg?

Published at :May 1, 2024 at 4:24 PM

Modified at :May 1, 2024 at 4:25 PM

(Courtesy : DFL/Bundesliga)

BVB will be looking to cause an upset and reach the Champions League final

Despite a disappointing 4-1 defeat to RB Leipzig, Dortmund are comfortably positioned for Champions League qualification next season. Their sights are now firmly set on winning their second UCL trophy, with just two games remaining before the final. But a mighty task awaits them over the two legs of the semi-finals – PSG.

Key attacker Malen is a doubt, while Haller, who scored a crucial goal in the quarter-final, remains sidelined. Emre Can and Maatsen return from domestic suspensions and could feature. Now, as the Black and Yellows prepare to host the team from the French capital, here is how they could line to hold off any pressure from the visitors.

Heads up everybody, full focus on Wednesday ✊ pic.twitter.com/8rE5FcKKGa
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) April 28, 2024

Dortmund predicted lineup (Formation: 4-2-3-1)

Gregor Kobel (Goalkeeper)

Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel is impressive with his agility and reflexes, similar to Swiss legend Sommer. His shot-stopping and one-on-one skills make him a top Bundesliga keeper, recently extending his contract with the club.

Julian Ryerson (Right Back)

Julian Ryerson was signed as a January winter signing from Union Berlin and has exceeded expectations. Initially expected to be a backup, Ryerson’s energy and commitment have made him a key player for Dortmund, both defensively and offensively. Ryerson’s adept with the ball, often finding himself in promising attacking spots, and he’s not shy about putting the ball in the net when his team needs it most.

Mats Hummels (Center Back)

Mats Hummels‘ rock-solid defence has been key to Dortmund’s Champions League revival. His future is uncertain, but BVB will surely want to keep him if he maintains this form. A world-class defender, Hummels uses his massive build, consistency, and aerial prowess to dominate attackers.

Nico Schlotterbeck (Center Back)

Joining Dortmund last year, Nico Schlotterbeck has become a starter, surprising with his attacking contributions. Despite being a defender, he boasts 6 goals and 8 assists in just 81 games for BVB. Former Bayern Munich and Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann also wrote that there aren’t many centre-backs in Europe with ball-playing skills like Schlotterbeck.

Ian Maatsen (Left Back)

Ian Maatsen’s loan to Borussia Dortmund from Chelsea has been quite fruitful. The Dutch defender quickly made the left-back position his own, attributing his success to settling in seamlessly with Die Schwarzgelben. Since he arrived in Germany, Maatsen has started all 18 games under Edin Terzic.

His only absence was due to suspension after accumulating his fifth yellow card of the season in last weekend’s 4-1 defeat against RB Leipzig.

Marcel Sabitzer (Defensive Midfielder)

Marcel Sabitzer quickly joined Dortmund without much fanfare. Some doubted his potential due to injuries, but he’s seamlessly integrated into the team.

His stats rank him among the top Bundesliga midfielders, particularly in moving the ball forward and shooting accuracy. He has 15 G/A for the Black and Yellows – 6 goals & 9 assists. 5 of these 9 assists have come in the Champions League.

Emre Can (Defensive Midfielder)

Ex-Liverpool player, Emre Can has an impressive work ethic, and excellent technical skills, and stands tall at 6″0′. In addition, he possesses a deep understanding of the game, a rare trait among players of his calibre.

Over his rapid rise in his career, the German international has showcased versatility by playing nearly every position on the field. As a skipper of Dortmund, now, Can is showcasing his leadership attributes.

Jadon Sancho (Left Midfielder)

Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho has been crucial for Borussia Dortmund in 2024 and could take them to the UCL final. Having previously been an exciting prospect for Dortmund, Sancho returned to the club on loan after a fallout with manager Erik ten Hag, aiming to rejuvenate his career.

But since then he has been pivotal for Black and Yellows’ success run. He has 3 goals and 2 assists during this time.

🫱🫲 pic.twitter.com/9MgY3YNbPG
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) April 27, 2024

Julian Brandt (Central Attacking Midfielder)

It has been Julian Brandt who has been the unsung hero for BVB this season, as he has played a vital role in the team’s impressive season. In addition to scoring 8 goals for the team this season, he has also contributed 12 assists – across all competitions. The way he dribbles past opponents and scores some wonderful goals has made him an invaluable member of the team.

Karim Adeyemi (Right Midfielder)

Karim Adeyemi is a star who left Bayern after blooming in the Allianz academy, to join forces of the rivals in Dortmund. The 22-year-old has got things going quite fairly since Sancho left for United on a permanent move. This season, Adeyemi has been on fire with his bursting runs and quick feet in 7 G/A.

🔄 ADEYEMI 🔄#BVBPSG #UCL pic.twitter.com/DHqP7IGuSL
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) April 30, 2024

Niclas Fullkrug (Striker)

This season, the 31-year-old Niclas Fullkrug is excelling for the Black and Yellows. With 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, he’s shouldering the responsibility effectively, making a crucial impact on the team’s success.

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