Tottenham vs Dortmund preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head
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Tottenham vs Dortmund preview || Imago

Tottenham vs Dortmund preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

Stephen Oladehinde 14:20 - 18.01.2026

Tottenham Hotspur will welcome Borussia Dortmund to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday evening for a crucial UEFA Champions League group phase encounter.

Both teams currently sit level on 11 points in the table, making this fixture a battle for a top-eight finish and automatic qualification for the knockout rounds.

Match preview

Tottenham come into this fixture in a difficult run of form, having suffered three consecutive defeats in all competitions. 

Their most recent outing was a disappointing 2-1 home loss against West Ham United on Saturday, a result that has piled pressure on head coach Thomas Frank. 

While Spurs have been excellent in Europe this season, their domestic struggles are starting to affect their overall confidence. 

The North London side will be desperate to use the continental stage to find their rhythm again and prove they can still compete with Europe’s elite.

Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, arrive in London full of confidence and are currently unbeaten in their last three matches. 

Niko Kovač has transformed the German side into a potent attacking force, evidenced by their recent 3-2 victory over St Pauli and a 3-0 win against Werder Bremen. 

Their last Champions League fixture was a high-scoring 2-2 draw with Bodø/Glimt, highlighting both their offensive prowess and occasional defensive lapses. 

Dortmund sit just one place above Spurs in 10th due to goal difference and will see this as the perfect opportunity to climb into the top eight.

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Tottenham vs Dortmund head-to-head

The record between these two sides leans in favour of the English club, though matches are often high-scoring affairs. 

Across their last five competitive meetings, Tottenham have secured four victories, while Borussia Dortmund have won once. 

Spurs famously dominated their 2018-19 Champions League Round of 16 tie, winning 3-0 at home and 1-0 away. 

However, Dortmund's last visit to London before the new stadium was built ended in a 2-1 victory for the visitors in the Europa League. 

Tottenham vs Dortmund team news

Tottenham are currently dealing with a significant injury crisis that has hampered their recent performances. 

Thomas Frank confirmed that top scorer Richarlison is out for up to seven weeks with a hamstring injury sustained in the FA Cup. 

Richarlison out for seven weeks  || Imago
Richarlison out for seven weeks || Imago

He joins a crowded treatment room that includes James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Mohammed Kudus. 

In more positive news, Yves Bissouma and Lucas Bergvall have recently returned to the squad, while Cristian Romero is available after serving a domestic suspension.

Borussia Dortmund also have some fitness concerns to manage. Long-term absentee Aaron Anselmino remains sidelined, and Marcel Sabitzer is also battling with a calf injury and is expected to be out until February.

However, Serhou Guirassy remains in fine scoring form and is expected to lead the line. Kovač may opt for a slightly more conservative midfield setup to deal with the atmosphere in North London.

Tottenham vs Dortmund team probable lineups

Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1): Vicario – Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence – Palhinha, Gray – Kolo Muani, Simons, Odobert – Tel

Borussia Dortmund (3-4-2-1): Kobel – Can, Anton, Schlotterbeck – Couto, Bellingham, Nmecha, Bensebaini – Beier, Brandt – Silva

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Tottenham vs Dortmund prediction and betting tips

This clash promises to be a tactical battle between Tottenham’s need to stop their losing streak and Dortmund’s desire to exploit a depleted Spurs squad. 

While Tottenham have a strong historical record in this fixture, their current form and extensive injury list make them vulnerable.

 Dortmund have been scoring freely but often concede goals on their travels, suggesting we will see action at both ends of the pitch.

Prediction

  • Tottenham 1-2 Borussia Dortmund
Betting tips:
  • Full-time result: Borussia Dortmund to win or draw (Double Chance)
  • Both teams to score – Yes
  • Over 2.5 goals