Borussia Dortmund are a walking M.A.S.H unit at the moment as they travel to Belgium to face Anderlecht. Jürgen Klopp is quickly running out of attacking players with Marco Reus, Jakub Blaszczykowski, Nuri Sahin and Henrikh Mkhitaryan all sidelined with various injuries that will keep them all out for an extended amount of time.
Anderlecht vs. Borussia Dortmund, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview
Dortmund can take control of Group D with a win over Anderlecht in Belgium.
Alex Grimm
While BVB's depth has been virtually erased, they still remain a talented side with some dangerous attacking players at their disposal. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ciro Immobile and Shinji Kagawa are all likely to start on Wendesday, and assuming no one else gets hurt, it's a group that should give Anderlecht's defense problems.
The Belgians were not expected to be a factor in Group D, but thanks to their surprising draw against Galatasaray in their opening match, they are right in the mix early. If Anderlecht have any hope of escaping the group, or finishing third and moving on to the Europa League (a more realistic target), they need to take advantage of their home matches. Even a draw against Dortmund would be a great result for them.
Key Player: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Dortmund)
With Reus and Mkhitaryan sidelined, there is increased pressure on young Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to help be a creative force in the Dortmund attack. He’s certainly capable of doing just that, along with scoring goals, and despite all he injuries he won’t have to do it alone. Having Shinji Kagawa and Ciro Immobile out there pestering the defense should free up PEA to take advantage of his speed and creativity.
Key Matchup: Anderlecht midfield/defense vs. Dortmund’s attack
BVB’s attack will test Anderlecht with a combination of speed and creative play. It will be difficult for the Belgians to slow Klopp’s men down, but it’s not impossible. Since Anderlecht will likely sit back and try to absorb pressure, it’s going to be vital that their defense and midfield work together, communicating, staying organized and keeping their shape. The more effective they are at doing those three things, the better chance they have to slowing Dortmund down, and possibly opening up some counter-attack chances.
Anderlecht injuries and suspensions
Out: Fabrice N’Sakala (knee). In Doubt: Anthony Vanden Borre (fitness/leg).
Dortmund injuries and suspensions
Out: Marco Reus (ankle), Jakub Blaszczykowski (muscle problem), Nuri Sahin (knee), Oliver Kirch (thigh), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (foot), Ilkay Gundogan (back). In Doubt: Sebastian Kehl (foot).
Dortmund’s injury list is full of big names with the likes of Reus, Sahin and Mkhitaryan are sidelined for Wednesday’s match. Jakub Blaszczykowski is unavailable as well, while captain Sebastian Kehl is a major doubt with a foot injury. Anderlecht will be without defender Fabrice N’Sakala, and Anthony Vanden Borre’s fitness is still not up after fracturing his leg during the World Cup.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Stade Constant Vanden Stock, Brussels, Belgium
TV: DirecTV, FOX Soccer Plus (U.S.), Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.), Sky Sport 1/HD, Sky Sport 2/HD (Germany), Club RTL, 2BE, Belgacom 11+ (Belgium)
Online: FOX Soccer 2Go, ESPN3 (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), SkyGo (U.K.), Sky Go Deutschland (Germany), RTBF LiveCenter (Belgium)
See More:
