Thursday's Europa League quarter-final clash at Signal Iduna Park will be a very special one for Jurgen Klopp as his Liverpool travel to face Borussia Dortmund, the team that he has brought back to the top of German football. Klopp has coached Borussia in 319 competitive matches, won two Bundesliga titles with them and also led them to the Champions League final in 2015. The two sides have met three times before and the record is perfectly split so far: one win for each side and a draw. Liverpool lost 2-1 to Dortmund in the 1966 Cup Winners' Cup final, while in 2001 Liverpool won 2-0 at Anfield and drew 0-0 away in the Champions League group stages.
The home fans will surely give Jurgen Klopp a warm welcome, the Liverpool manager is still highly regarded by the Dortmund fans after what he has done for the club. But they will still provide their trademark fanatic support for Borussia. Dortmund have not lost a match since the winter break, they won 14 matches out of 16 as mighty Bayern Munich held them to a goalless draw. Thomas Tuchel's men are set to finish second in the Bundesliga, and they have also reached the semi-finals of the German Cup. Neven Subotic is injured but Mats Hummels will return after being rested last weekend.
Klopp's Liverpool will have to fight against the odds on Thursday, but it's a challenge that the German manager likes very much. The Reds have been quite inconsistent since he has taken charge, but in big matches they always seemed capable of delivering great performances. They face an uphill struggle for a top-four finish in the Premier League, so winning the Europa League might be a more realistic way of getting into next season's Champions League. Roberto Firmino could make his way back into the team after a hamstring injury, but Lucas Leiva remains out of contention along with Christian Benteke.
Probable line-ups:
Dortmund: Burki - Piszczek, Ginter, Hummels, Schmelzer - Weigl, Castro, Durm, Mkhitaryan, Reus - Aubameyang
Liverpool: Mignolet - Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno - Henderson, Can, Milner, Lallana, Coutinho - Sturridge
My prediction: 1-1 draw.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Dortmund win - 1.55 Draw - 4.33 Liverpool win - 6.50
sharpe
8 years ago
This was quite exiting game but the think I was amazed most of was the unbelievable triple save of Weidenfeller in the beginning of the second half which prevents Liverpool of coring second which would be a big advantage for them. Anyway nothing is decided in that one just yet and I think any of those teams could progress...
This was quite exiting game but the think I was amazed most of was the unbelievable triple save of Weidenfeller in the beginning of the second half which prevents Liverpool of coring second which would be a big advantage for them. Anyway nothing is decided in that one just yet and I think any of those teams could progress to the semis .
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Alexa Alexa 8 years ago
We saw interesting match,despite the draw. It was very emotional,due to return of Jurgen Klopp to the Vestfalend. After this result I considere Liverpool as a slight favorites.Klopp knows Borussia very well,he will surely find the way to exploit their disadvantages and bad parts of the team.
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jakablazic 8 years ago
This one will be very special for Klopp and Yellow wall, they will certainly wish him warm welcome. Big Europa League game, Dortmund a slight favourite but everything can happen if Liverpool scores first. You saw that in Barcelona two days ago. Expecting good game and this is also nice continuing of football week after...
This one will be very special for Klopp and Yellow wall, they will certainly wish him warm welcome. Big Europa League game, Dortmund a slight favourite but everything can happen if Liverpool scores first. You saw that in Barcelona two days ago. Expecting good game and this is also nice continuing of football week after CL games last two days.
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h34dhunt3r
8 years ago
One of the biggest matches of Europa League in a while. I wanted those two teams to face each other in finals, but faith didn't want the same. Borusia Dortmund is favourite, in both tonights match on homefield aswell in overall matchup. Liverpool leaded by former Dortmund manager Jurgen Kloop have real chance to suprise...
One of the biggest matches of Europa League in a while. I wanted those two teams to face each other in finals, but faith didn't want the same. Borusia Dortmund is favourite, in both tonights match on homefield aswell in overall matchup. Liverpool leaded by former Dortmund manager Jurgen Kloop have real chance to suprise them, since Dormunds football philosophy didn't change since he left. I'm kinda annoyed that all medias talk about Kloop, and nobody says anything about players, lineups, strategies. Expecting a lot of goals tonight and great match.
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milo?.sekuli?
8 years ago
I cant wait to see what are fans prepared for Kloop. It is certain that Dortmund has a slight advantage, they have a better team. But I wouldn't write off Liverpool,they are raising their form slowly, and they have excellent coach. The most important thing is that both teams play a nice football for the eye, it will be...
I cant wait to see what are fans prepared for Kloop. It is certain that Dortmund has a slight advantage, they have a better team. But I wouldn't write off Liverpool,they are raising their form slowly, and they have excellent coach. The most important thing is that both teams play a nice football for the eye, it will be enjoyable to watch them. May the best team win. :)
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