Chelsea can finally take a break from the Premier League, where they have been struggling all season, as the English giants prepare to resume their UEFA Champions League campaign, with the two-time winners kickstarting their knockout stage run. However, standing in their way is Dortmund, with the German giants hosting their opponents for the first leg of this round of 16 showdown.
In seasons gone by, Dortmund would have been considered the underdogs. However, the Bundesliga side stand a great chance of eliminating the Premier League giants and this isn't solely down to Chelsea's terrible form under Graham Potter.
Since returning to action after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Edin Terzic's side have won every game they have played, which is six in total. This is a brilliant turnaround as BVB lost in back-to-back Bundesliga fixtures just before the mid-season tournament.
In fact, three out of their last four victories came against clubs that sit ninth or higher in the German top-flight table, proving that Dortmund can go toe-to-toe with tough opposition.
This was also evident in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, with Bellingham and Co. performing remarkably well against Manchester City, who ended up winning the group.
BVB failed the beat the Premier League defending champions but made life extremely difficult for the Cityzens, drawing nil-nil at the Signal Iduna Park while losing 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium thanks to an 84th-minute winning goal from their former striker Erling Haaland.
Dortmund drew another two games in the group stage and, as a result, finished in second with a five-point disadvantage over Manchester City. However, after their performance against Guardiola's men over the two legs, the Bundesliga heavyweights should enter the round of 16 with confidence.
Sadly, the same cannot be said for Chelsea. While the Premier League giants boast an array of talented players, the club have struggled for form and thus enter this tie on the back of a number of horrendous results.
One quick glance at the stats is all you need. In their last 15 matches across all competitions, which includes one club friendly, the London giants have won only three times, which was an unthinkable proposition during the reign of former owner Roman Abramovich.
The Blues' most recent victory was a month ago in the 1-0 triumph over Crystal Palace in the league on January 15. If that wasn't rough enough, then here is another horrible statistic: the last time Potter's men won back-to-back games was in mid-October when they beat AC Milan and Aston Villa at the San Siro and Villa Park consecutively.
As a result, pressure continues to mount on the head coach. However, while the English tactician has been slated by fans and pundits, the backing from the club still rests comfortably in his corner.
Potter turned around the club's UEFA Champions League campaign and steered the London giants to a top-spot finish in Group E following their horrendous start under Thomas Tuchel. Additionally, injuries have played a tremendous role in Chelsea's struggles this season.
The English club have drawn their last three games and have scored only once during that time. However, a controversial VAR decision arguably denied Enzo Fernandez and Co. a win at West Ham over the weekend as they were not awarded a late penalty despite what appeared to be a handball from Tomas Soucek inside the Hammers' box.
Chelsea's trip to Signal Iduna Park should see their two major January signings Enzo Fernandez and Mykhaylo Mudryk make their debuts in this competition. Will it result in a much-needed victory at the Signal Iduna Park? Make sure to catch the action live to find out the answer.
Team news
Dortmund: Youssoufa Moukoko is unavailable due to an ankle injury and will thus miss this game, with Sebastian Haller or Anthony Modeste set to deputize. Thomas Meunier has returned from a muscle strain but Marius Wolf, Abdoulaye Kamara, and Mateu Morey all remain sidelined for the hosts.
Chelsea: While Potter's injury crisis has eased up, a number of key players still remain sidelined such as N'Golo Kante, Christian Pulisic, Armando Broja, and Edouard Mendy. Meanwhile, due to the club's hefty recruitment in January, the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Benoit Badiashile, and Noni Madueke had to be left out of Chelsea's UEFA Champions League squad, meaning they are unavailable for selection. On top of that, Wesley Fofana, Kalidou Koulibaly, Mateo Kovacic, and Raheem Sterling are all doubts.
Key stats
- These two clubs have never met before in Europe.
- Regardless, Chelsea's record against Bundesliga clubs isn't great, with the English giants winning only three out of 11 trips to Germany.
- However, the Blues are yet to lose in the UEFA Champions League under Graham Potter, winning four and drawing once under the English tactician.
- In 17 home games against Premier League clubs, Dortmund have lost five times, with three of those defeats coming against London-based sides Arsenal and Tottenham.
Broadcast listings
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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