Borussia Dortmund welcomes Shakhtar Donetsk at the 80 000 seater Signal Iduna Park after the teams played the first leg of this tie in Donetsk. Dortmund deservedly got a 2-2 result in that game, and are big favorites to qualiy for the Champions League Quarter Finals.
How the teams can progress
In the first leg Dortmund was the better team as expected. Shakhtar still has a massive offensive though, so they produced enough magic on the night to not be considered ruled out just yet. However, the Ukrainian side will need to turn on the style here as most likely only a win will be good enough. This, as Dortmund got two very important away goals in the first leg.
An update on form
Borussia Dortmund is 2-1-1 after the first leg was played. Both victories came at home. In the weekend Dortmund played a very good game against Hannover 96.
Shakhtar Donetsk has played a lot of friendlies, which obviously are hard to call the value of. The domestic league did however kick off again after the winter break on the 01.03 and, Shakhtar got a 4-1 win over mid table team Volyn. I would suspect Shakhtar is in slightly better game condition this time around compared to when the first leg was played.
Team News
Dortmund was still without Mats Hummels in the weekend, but he is likely to be in contention again here. If not Felipe Santana will deputise in the heart of defense yet again. Coach Klopp rested some of his first team players against Hannover so he should in general be able to pick from a fit squad. Gundogan and Grosskreutz, who missed the first leg are in contention for a place in the first eleven.
Shakhtar Donetsk should field a similar side to the one taking part in the first leg. Taison did not play in the weekend, he might be a doubt for the clash. Other than that this very talented squad should be fit and ready.
My read on the game
Dortmund doesn't need to attack, but this side isn't really built for a defensive modus operandi. With attacking flair in abundance I am fairly sure they will want to score and finish off this tie sooner rather than later.
That doesn't mean I think we'll witness wave after wave of attacks. I rather think they will respect the attacking flair of Shakhtar, and look for situations they can exploit. Should they choose a more defensive route, they got quick and dynamic players that can really hurt the visitors on the break.
Shakhtar is also a side built for going forward. They will need to score in this tie, so no matter what strategy they choose, at one point or another they got to go for it. That point will definitely open up the game, or finish it off. Depending on who scores.
My predictions and betting tips
Obviously, no one can predict the future. No, not even me! So do keep in mind that when you read my predictions and betting tips that this game may be a winner, but it also may be a loser. It is the volume of predictions and betting tips over time that hopefully will yield a healthy profit.
Nevertheless, my predictions are that Dortmund will create a lot of chances. Either from quality possession, breaks or set pieces where they have an aerial threat that Shakhtar will find hard to deal with.
Shakthar may very well score, but they don't have enough competitive games under their belt to deal with a powerhouse like Dortmund at the moment.
The home side also has enough quality to get back from going a goal down with players such as Gotze, Reus and Lewandowski up front. That Shakhtar Donetsk should get a two goal lead doesn't seem very realistic. But even then I wouldn't rule out this site. My betting tips is therefore the home win!
William Hill offers 1.62. I find those odds adequate, and I am taking them myself.
