Spurs v Borussia Dortmund: Ruthless BVB to progress in style

Kevin Hatchard
16 March 2016

Marco Reus scored twice last week to put BVB in command of this tie

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A weakened Tottenham blew their Europa League chances in Germany last week, and Kevin Hatchard's doesn't see them mounting a famous comeback.

"Borussia Dortmund have been simply superb since the winter break, and as Spurs look for a way back into the tie, I think BVB can pick them off on the counter."

Back Borussia Dortmund to win at 2.245/4

Tottenham Hotspur v Borussia Dortmund
Thursday March 17, 20:05
Live on BT Sport 1

Having marshalled his resources expertly for most of the campaign, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino made a jarringly bad error last Thursday with his team selection at Signal Iduna Park. Instead of playing his strongest team away to one of Europe's most in-form sides, and then resting players for a straightforward Premier League trip to a feeble Aston Villa, the Argentinean did it the other way round. Borussia Dortmund could barely believe their luck, and they swept to a 3-0 first-leg win.

Many Tottenham fans may say Pochettino was right to prioritise the Lilywhites' Premier League title push, but if you can't be confident of beating a wretched Villa with one or two of your key players missing, you shouldn't be entertaining ideas of being champions of England. It all seems like a huge opportunity missed - imagine the confidence boost Spurs would've got from knocking BVB out or even pushing them close, and how they could've used that momentum in the title hunt.

Dortmund have been on superb form since the turn of the year, winning 11 of their 13 games in all competitions. Even though leading striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's stellar form has dipped a touch, Marco Reus has stepped up to plug that gap. The German international forward has scored six goals in 11 appearances since the winter break, including a brace in last week's first leg, and a beautifully-taken goal in Sunday's 2-0 win over Mainz.

Dortmund's defence has also improved markedly, with skipper Mats Hummels particularly strong in recent weeks. BVB have kept ten clean sheets since Christmas, and they've only conceded one goal in their last nine games.

Spurs have a strong home record in Europe, and are unbeaten in nine Europa League matches at White Hart Lane. However, they are up against a talented team who have been superbly coached by Thomas Tuchel in his first campaign in the Ruhr. Dortmund are lightning-quick on the counter-attack, and the only way Spurs are going to get back into this is if they commit men forward. If Tuchel doesn't repeat Pochettino's mistake, and selects a strong side, I think they can pick Tottenham off. I'm going for the visitors to reach the last eight in style.

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