Tottenham vs Borussia Dortmund

A high-stakes European night awaits at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium today, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as Tottenham Hotspur hosts Borussia Dortmund. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET).

This Matchday 7 clash is a "battle for the top eight." Dortmund sits in 10th place and Tottenham in 11th, both level on 11 points. A win for either side would significantly boost their chances of securing direct qualification for the Round of 16, avoiding the treacherous knockout play-off round.

Match Information

Tottenham: A Season of Extremes

Tottenham's campaign has been a tale of two competitions. While their Premier League form has been dismal—currently sitting 14th after a 2–1 loss to West Ham—their Champions League run under Thomas Frank has been a lone bright spot. Spurs remain unbeaten at home in Europe this season, having won all three matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium without conceding a single goal.

However, Frank faces a monumental selection headache, with up to 14 players potentially unavailable for tonight's clash.

Team News and Selection:

• Defensive Crisis: Micky van de Ven is suspended, and Ben Davies is out for the season with a fractured ankle.

• Injury Ward: James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Richarlison are all sidelined. Midfield newcomer Joao Palhinha also misses out with a knock.

• Returns: Xavi Simons will reportedly play through the pain after a weekend ankle injury. Pape Matar Sarr is unavailable due to illness following Senegal's AFCON triumph.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Danso, Spence; Gray, Bergvall; Odobert, Simons, Kolo Muani; Solanke.

Borussia Dortmund: Momentum and Firepower

Dortmund arrives in London in a far steadier rhythm, currently enjoying a seven-match unbeaten run across all competitions. Sitting 2nd in the Bundesliga, the "Black and Yellow" boast one of the most potent attacks in this year’s Champions League, having netted 19 goals so far (tied with PSG for the best in the competition).

Team News and Selection:

• Sabitzer Out: Midfielder Marcel Sabitzer is the only major absentee with a calf injury.

• Rested Stars: Ramy Bensebaini and Aaron Anselmino are available after being rested at the weekend.

• Attack in Form: Julian Brandt and Serhou Guirassy have been lethal, though former Wolves loanee Fabio Silva has recently challenged for a starting spot.

• Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Kobel; Can, Anton, Schlotterbeck; Ryerson, Bellingham, Nmecha, Svensson; Adeyemi, Brandt; Guirassy.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• UCL Dominance: Tottenham has won each of the last four Champions League meetings between these two sides, including a 4–0 aggregate win in the 2018/19 season.

• Home Fortress: Spurs are unbeaten in their last 23 home games in European club competitions (19 wins, 4 draws).

• Goals Expected: Over 2.5 goals have been scored in each of the last four meetings between these clubs at Tottenham's home.

• Road Struggles: Dortmund has a poor record in England, losing 13 of their 19 away matches against English opposition.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Dortmund will look to exploit Tottenham’s decimated midfield and makeshift defense. With Thomas Frank down to just 11 senior outfield players, Spurs will likely rely on the energy of youngsters Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall to protect the backline.

While Tottenham's home record in Europe is formidable, the sheer number of injuries makes them vulnerable to Dortmund's high-speed transitions led by Karim Adeyemi. However, the pressure on Frank might inspire a "backs-to-the-wall" performance from a squad desperate to save their manager's job.

Final Score Prediction: Tottenham 1–2 Borussia Dortmund