The Hard Tackle lists three players who can make a difference when Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United clash on Tuesday.
The UEFA Champions League returns this week with Matchday 4 of the group stage. Tuesday will feature two marquee fixtures, one of which will see Borussia Dortmund welcoming Newcastle United to Signal Iduna Park.
Borussia Dortmund will be smarting from the 4-0 decimation at the hands of Bayern Munich this past weekend. The Black and Yellows, who had started the season well and were unbeaten in the Bundesliga before last week ended, tend to produce meek performances against their rivals. But they will take heart from their win over Newcastle United on Matchday 3.
Speaking of the Magpies, they come into the game on the back of a 1-0 win over Arsenal. The result had a tinge of luck associated with it, with a contentious refereeing decision aiding their cause. But while some of Newcastle United’s performances have not been impressive, they have already made a splash in the UEFA Champions League with a win over Paris Saint-Germain.
With Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United both on four points in Group F, the result on Tuesday will go a long way in determining which club will progress to the Round of 16. And the performances of a few players will be crucial in swinging the pendulum one way or another. With that in mind, The Hard Tackle names three stars whose performances will hold the key this week.
Anthony Gordon
"He's a danger" ⚠️
Stephen Warnock believes Anthony Gordon's game has reached another level 📈 pic.twitter.com/GkdWSxv7ro
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 6, 2023
Our list begins with a player who comes into Tuesday’s fixture on the back of a match-winning performance. His goal delivered the three points against Arsenal, as Newcastle United warmed up with a victory. We are talking about Anthony Gordon.
The Englishman has proven many of his naysayers wrong thus far this season after starting the new campaign with a bang. Gordon has been arguably Newcastle United’s best and most consistent player this term, with his directness keeping the opposition defenders on their toes.
In addition, Gordon boasts a blistering change of pace that can catch the opponents off-guard. So, the 22-year-old will pose a goal threat, with his movement creating space for the other attackers to pounce. And Newcastle United should be in good stead if he rises to the occasion.
Donyell Malen
Offensive output will hold the key if Tuesday’s match has the makings of the reverse fixture. A closely contested tie needs a moment of brilliance from the attackers. And from Borussia Dortmund, Donyell Malen has the key to unlock a stubborn Newcastle United defence.
The Dutchman has blown hot and cold since joining Borussia Dortmund. But he has the tendency to produce a moment of genius from nowhere, making him a maverick performer for his team. That is why he features on this list, as his directness can help him get past the Newcastle United backline.
Malen’s performances have alerted several high-profile clubs, including Liverpool. But on Tuesday, he will be focused on delivering the goods for Borussia Dortmund against Newcastle United. The visitors need to keep him from cutting in, as that brings the best out of him during offensive phases. But the Liverpool target will have made his mark if he succeeds in veering infield.
Callum Wilson
CW9 🫡
Your @Sela Player of the Month for October is @CallumWilson! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/eg669AZj3F
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 1, 2023
Our list ends with another attacker, a rare occurrence of only one department dominating one of these shortlists. We come back to Newcastle United, with in-form English striker Callum Wilson rounding us off.
The veteran striker has started the season in superb fashion often scoring goals for fun. While his jolly run has not continued in the last two games, his imposing presence in the final third makes the difference for Newcastle United.
Alexander Isak’s injury-enforced absence has liberated the Englishman, who has been playing freely and without any baggage. His movement will hold the key on Tuesday, considering the Borussia Dortmund centre-backs have been dreadful in many games this term. And if Wilson finds himself in acres of space inside the box, Gregor Kobel will see his goal bulging this week.
