Match Preview: Liverpool vs Borussia Dortmund

"Europa League contenders Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund will lock horns at Anfield for their second leg with the tie level at 1-1. Jurgen Klopp will be looking to knock his former side out of the competition and continue his quest for European glory in his first campaign in English football. "
Published by
12th Apr 2016

Europa League contenders Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund will lock horns at Anfield for their second leg with the tie level at 1-1.

Jurgen Klopp will be looking to knock his former side out of the competition and continue his quest for European glory in his first campaign in English football.

When the Europa League Quarter Final draw was made this fixture was undoubtedly labelled the ‘tie of the round’ with the winner surely favourite to win the competition.

Divock Origi’s opening goal in the first leg has given Liverpool a major boost to their qualification hopes and many are anticipating another special European night at Anfield.

The Belgian international appears to have hit form at just the right time for the Reds. Following his solo effort at the Signal Iduna Park stadium last week, the 22-year old netted twice in Liverpool’s 4-1 triumph over Stoke City in the Premier League at the weekend and has worked himself up the striking pecking order ahead of Christian Benteke and Daniel Sturridge.  

Liverpool will be without their captain, Jordan Henderson, who is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury sustained in the first leg. Joe Allen is working his way into contention following a strong second half display in the first leg and another assured performance at the weekend versus Stoke in the middle of midfield.

However, it is Liverpool’s defensive incapabilities which has left fans frustrated so far this season. Martin Skrtel has struggled to hold down a regular place and has struggled with injuries, whereas Mamadou Sakho and Dejan Lovren, who were excellent in the first leg, have been inconsistent.

Liverpool will be hoping the defensive pair can put in a performance like last week and will have to be at their best once more to keep Dortmund’s frontmen in Marco Reus and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at bay. The pair have 51 goals between them this season with Aubameyang netting 33 times and Reus with 18 goals respectively.

Having already secured an away goal, Liverpool know that if they score first they can heap the pressure onto the German side.

Jurgen Klopp is not one to hold back tactically and will be looking for his side to play aggressive and expansive football with a high press which worked so well in the reverse fixture.

Dortmund come into the game following a entertaining 2-2 derby draw against Schalke and remain in second place in the Bundesliga.

With the tie evenly poised the opening goal here will be crucial and will surely dictate which side will progress into the last four. Liverpool will be buoyed by their recent performances and home advantage will play a massive part in the outcome of the tie with the Liverpool fans set to be in full voice throughout.

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