Official team news has been released for Borussia Dortmund as they prepare to face Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Champions League's play-off second-leg.
With just over an hour remaining until kick-off, Dortmund's head coach Niko Kovac has confirmed his starting eleven. Sporting Lisbon is currently leading Liga Portugal, but they face a significant challenge at the Westfalenstadion, trailing 3-0 on aggregate after the first leg.
Dortmund aims to secure a place in the Round of 16, and with a solid advantage, they are optimistic about advancing without major complications in front of their home fans.
The team has made one change from their recent line-up, which suffered a 2-0 defeat to VfL Bochum. Gregor Kobel remains in goal, while Julian Ryerson returns from injury to replace Niklas Süle at right-back. Emre Can will captain the side from centre-half, alongside Nico Schlotterbeck and Daniel Svensson.
Due to injury, Felix Nmecha is sidelined, leading to a midfield pairing of Pascal Groß and Marcel Sabitzer. Karim Adeyemi and Jamie Gittens will provide speed on the flanks, with Julian Brandt positioned behind leading goal-scorer Serhou Guirassy.
On the other hand, Sporting Lisbon needs a remarkable turnaround to progress in the tournament. Head coach Rui Borges has opted for a 3-4-3 formation, with Morten Hjulmand serving as captain. Notably, Jeremiah St. Juste and Viktor Gyökeres did not travel with the squad.
Official lineups are as follows:
Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1): Kobel - Ryerson, Can (c), Schlotterbeck, Svensson - Groß, Sabitzer - Adeyemi, Brandt, Gittens - Guirassy
Sporting CP (3-4-3): Rui Silva - Quaresma, Diomande, Inacio - Esgaio, Hjulmand (c), João Simões, Matheus Reis - Gabi Teixeira, Harder, Quenda
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