SPURS MUST GO FOR GOALS NOT TRY TO SHUT UP SHOP
BORUSSIA DORTMUND have kept only one clean sheet in their last seven games, so Tottenham should be going to the Westfalenstadion believing they can nick a goal. That’s the mentality they should have, rather than simply thinking they have to stop Dortmund scoring. Mauricio Pochettino should be telling his players that if they score, the tie will be as good as dead and they will have their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals. This competition is Tottenham’s only chance of a trophy this season now. Their place in the Premier League’s top four is under threat, but Europe is where they can still make this a memorable season. COUNTER-ATTACKS will be key for Tottenham tonight. Dortmund’s desperation to score could work in Spurs’ favour as it will allow them to go at them on the break. They haven’t won a game since Harry Kane returned from his ankle injury, but we know he can finish. He’s scored against Burnley and Arsenal since returning, and his disallowed header in Saturday’s North London derby was ridiculously good. If even a half-chance comes his way, Kane will believe he can put it away. Dortmund were good in the first half at Wembley but capitulated in the second half. Spurs just have to be pragmatic. Defend well and pounce on the break. DORTMUND boss Lucien Favre will be telling his team they have nothing to lose. The Bundesliga leaders trail 3-0, so are already staring at a Champions League exit. They have to go for it and are bound to come flying out of the blocks. The question is, can Spurs weather the storm? Pochettino has big decisions to make, primarily in defence. In the first leg at Wembley, Jan Vertonghen did a fine job at left wing back but he is likely to return to being a centre back, possibly as a partner for Toby Alderweireld. The first 20 minutes will be key for Spurs. It won’t be easy, with Jadon Sancho in outstanding form and Marco Reus back, but they will want to keep things tight early on. Otherwise, a Dortmund goal could put doubts in minds. SUTTON’S PREDICTION: 2-2