The opening of the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been moved back several times, with one previous target having been the UEFA Champions League round of 16. At this point, getting the stadium open before the end of this season would be a huge win.
Alas, Tottenham will host Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium, not White Hart Lane, on Wednesday night in the first leg of their UCL knockout round tie. Let’s take a look at the team news and fitness situation for both sides; starting with the hosts.
Talisman Harry Kane is progressing rapidly, and better than expected, but he’s been ruled out for this game. His return from the ankle injury he suffered could come as early as February 23. Dele Alli has been out since January 20 due to a hamstring issue. He could return to action in early March while Ben Davies (groin injury) has an unknown return date.
Additionally, Eric Dier (illness) and Erik Lamela (back problem) are both slight doubts for this match.
Flipping over to the visitors, BVB club icon Marco Reus suffered a thigh injury against Werder Bremen in the German Cup last Tuesday. His problem is regarded to be minor in the big picture, but he’s expected to be rested here.
Defender Manuel Akanji (hip injury) and Leonardo Balerdi (facial laceration) are also both unavailable. Under Lucien Favre, Dortmund have been revitalized, and they are strongly projected to claim the Bundesliga title this season.
Borussia Dortmund at Tottenham Hotspur UEFA Champions League Round of 16 FYIs
Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Kickoff: Wednesday, February 13, 8pm, Wembley Stadium
Odds via Betfair: Tottenham 13/10, Draw 5/2, Dortmund 19/10
Form Guide: Tottenham Hotspur WWWLL, Borussia Dortmund DLDWW
Google Result Probability: Tottenham win 41%, Draw 28%, Dortmund 31%
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.