Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino must nullify Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for any chance of Champions League success
Harry Kane has the pace and goalscoring ability to expose Borussia Dortmund's vulnerabilities at the back
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WHEN you look at the rest of Group H and see Real Madrid there, this game is effectively the first part of the showdown for second place.
I really like Tottenham’s style, the players, coach Mauricio Pochettino and how consistent they have become.
They are a far better team than they showed in the Champions League last season. They had a problem with Wembley but know the stadium better now and should be able to handle it.
BREAKING DOWN THE YELLOW WALL
Peter Bosz, the new Dortmund coach, is trying to play very differently to Thomas Tuchel and, in some ways, Spurs are the ideal team for them to play because Pochettino’s men will try to attack.
Dortmund are trying to impose a high and early press on games, setting up their backline only five metres inside their own half.
They are not happy when you don’t give them space in the middle of the pitch and Tottenham have the quality to make it very difficult for them — as long as they can bypass that initial press.
ENDING THE PIERRE SHOW
Spurs simply must not give Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang space to play in because that is when his explosive speed is a real threat.
Dortmund look to move the ball quickly out wide to Max Philipp or Christian Pulisic and then seek to release Aubameyang in behind.
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If Pochettino plays with three at the back again, that would mean three against one at Wembley and I think Spurs would miss a body in midfield.
So they should play with a back four and push the full-backs on the wingers.
KANE IS ABLE
Harry Kane is quick and physical and can get the better of the Dortmund centre-backs if he plays on the shoulder.
I like Harry and how he plays — not just his goals but his attitude. He has confidence in his ability to hurt teams.
PREDICTION: Spurs 2 Dortmund 1
