Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is never afraid to let his emotions show, and it will be interesting to see him return to the club that he had taken to two consecutive Bundesliga titles and a Champions League final.
However, once the game begins, nostalgia will have to be put aside, as both teams try and make their way to the semi final of the Europa League. This competition represents an excellent opportunity for Dortmund to finish with a trophy, and manager Thomas Tuchel will be trying to do just that over the course of the two legs.
For Liverpool, this competition represents an opportunity to qualify for the Champions League next season by winning the Europa League this time round.
Lineups
Borussia Dortmund
The big news for Dortmund is that Thomas Tuchel can welcome Sokratis, Mats Hummels, and Ilkay Gundogan back into the first team. However, the latter is still not expected to start in this match. Gundogan could affect the game from the substitutes bench though, and the Reds need to be weary of the Germany international if he is thrown into the fray.
Possible Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Weidenfeller; Schmelzer, Hummels, Sokratis, Piszczek; Weigl, Sahin; Reus, Kagawa, Mkhitaryan; Aubameyang.
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp has been able to take a more or less full strength squad on the trip to Germany, with the exception of Lucas Leiva, Danny Ings and Joe Gomez, who are injured. Lucas is believed to be close to fitness, but has not been risked for this match. Roberto Firmino, who has been out since March, is set to undergo late tests to ascertain whether he has recovered from a hamstring problem.
Possible Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Mignolet; Moreno, Sakho, Lovren, Clyne; Can, Henderson; Coutinho, Firmino, Lallana; Sturridge.
Key Stats
- Borussia Dortmund have been winning both the halves of six of their eight Europa League matches.
- Die Borussien are currently on a four match winning streak.
- Liverpool are on a 10 match unbeaten run in the Europa League.
- The Reds have conceded six goals in their last five matches in all competitions.
- Dortmund have not been able to score against Liverpool in the last three matches (in all competitions) between the two sides.
Prediction
Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Liverpool
The Black and Yellows have been in tremendous form this season, and will be looking to continue in that vein against Liverpool in the quarter finals of the Champions League. While Dortmund have shown considerable attacking impetus, their defence has been a bit leaky, which is why the Reds could come off with an away goal in this fixture.
Odds (Paddy Power)
- Borussia Dortmund: 8/15
- Draw: 10/3
- Liverpool FC: 5/1