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Newcastle United are heading into their second home game of the Champions League campaign. Given their last outing was a 4-1 win against PSG, and Dortmund have looked less than impressive in the Champions League, so it could be a huge fixture.
Going into the match, Dortmund sit rock bottom of the so-called ‘group of death’ while Newcastle somehow find themselves at the summit.
Crucially for Newcastle, however, a win against Dortmund would put them at seven points, and all but secure some form of European football beyond Christmas.
Newcastle United lineup vs Borussia Dortmund
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Newcastle United UEFA Champions League Team News
Since their loss to Brighton on September 2nd, Newcastle have been on an unbeaten run of eight games. Beating PSG, and knocking out Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on the way. Crucially, Newcastle have been one fine goal-scoring form, scoring 22 goals and concerning just three goals in those eight games.
Newcastle will be without a few key players, though they have somehow managed to handle the pressure and come through this period without them. As ever, Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes are definitely out, while Sven Botman is likely to be out for a further few weeks. Newcastle did come away from the Palace game without any further injuries, however, rotations are likely.
Predicted Lineup
Nick Pope (GK), Kieran Tripper, Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Sean Longstaff, Joelinton, Bruno Buimaraes, Miquel Almiron, Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak
Newcastle United Lineup vs Borussia Dortmund – Our top three
One of Newcastle’s secret weapons in the Champions League this season has been the element of the unknown. While players like Isak, Botman, and Tonali are more known around Europe, it’s the likes of Murphy, Longstaff, and Burn who have gone under the radar and carried Newcastle to glory thus far.
And as we saw in the PSG game, the home crowd has put on an unbelievable atmosphere to set the mood.
Kieran Trippier – A defensive attacker leading the line
Trippier has been an unreal performer for Newcastle since he signed. Putting up the most assists in the Premier League this season, and performing in the top 90 percentile for attacking actions. Trippier’s work on the Newcastle right side alongside Longstaff and Murphy/Almiron has been key to Newcastle’s attack.
In fact, during the recent win against Crystal Palace, Newcastle attacked down the right side 60% of the time.
Sean Longstaff – A local hero
One of the most underrated players in the Premier League, Longstaff has found his way back into the Newcastle starting 11, having been initially replaced by new boy Sandro Tonali. But, with the clubs form tanking, Longstaff found his way back, and he doesn’t look like he’ll be leaving any time soon.
Longstaff has been strong in both attack and defence. His energy in the press is key to Newcastle trapping sides in their own half, while his attacking runs have been causing teams problems all season.
Nick Pope – Safe hands at the Church of St James’
Nick Pope has had his critics since he joined Newcastle, and while 90% of the time that criticism is level at his distribution, notable for his kicking. At Crystal Palace, we noticed a slight change in his style, and you can see the full goal in the clip below.
But crucially, Pope has moved away from kicking to start a counter, and is instead using his throwing to start attacks. At the weekend, that resulted in a goal, so we suspect it will be a trend going forward.
It’s also worth noting that Pope continues to be one of the best shot-stoppers in the league. He’s in the top percentile for save %, clean sheet % and goals against.
From the gloves of Nick Pope to the back of the Palace net in a matter of seconds! ⏩️@CallumWilson 🫡 pic.twitter.com/bUh7iiH1m9
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 22, 2023
Will Sandro Tonali start vs Borussia Dortmund?
As of Tuesday, Sandro Tonali has not yet been charged with the accusations put against him. However, given how he reacted at the end of the Crystal Palace, it did look like a bit of a “see you soon” to the Newcastle fans.
Rumours online have suggested Tonali could be out for 10 months, if he does play against Dortmund, it will likely be his last game in a long time.
Newcastle United lineup vs Borussia Dortmund – The Final Word
If there was one thing we learnt from Newcastle’s win against PSG, it’s that they are not just here to take part. People spoke about Newcastle being a team that was “punching”, but they’ve come into this “Group of Death” and they’re taking names, and not just making up numbers.
As we mentioned earlier, a win against Dortmund would put Newcastle on seven points. No team has ever come bottom of their Champions League group when achieving such a tally halfway through. And, if PSG can beat AC Milan, Newcastle would be well on their way to making it into the round of 16.
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