The big blow for us is that Mathieu Flamini is out of the game after picking up a concussion against Norwich at the weekend. Flamini has been a revelation since we got him back on free and has provided the back four with some much needed support sitting just ahead of them. Without him tonight our back line will need to be on song against the likes of Reus and co. Dortmund are a team that have a lot of pace on the wings and centrally so our positioning will be key to keeping them at bay.
We certainly have the attacking qualities to break them down despite their impressive defence. With players from all over the pitch scoring we have enough outlets to find the net and it makes us versatile. With Ozil, Wilshere and Cazorla likely to make up our trio sitting behind Giroud we can hold the play up but move quickly. Giroud has a big job tonight holding the ball up but if he does it as well as he has been we shouldn't worry about that.
Dortmund's threats going forward are countless. They have pace in Reus and Aubameyang whichever one they decide to use (probably Reus) but they have a more technical goalscorer in Lewandowski. Mkhitaryan is their Ozil if you will creating the moves and also finding the net every now and then. He can be a handful and we'll have to watch him closely.
It's going to be a very close game tonight and we're playing a top, top team. To get anything we'll have to be at our best. If we win it's a statement of intent and will put us in a very healthy position. COYG!
