Newcastle United make two changes to the side sent out to rout Crystal Palace at the weekend. Callum Wilson and Jacob Murphy drop to the bench, making way for Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron. The only change to the starting XI named for the PSG victory is Joelinton for Sandro Tonali, who will hope to come off the bench at some point this evening to say his goodbyes before an expected lengthy ban for alleged breaches of betting rules is announced. Joe Willock is also named as a sub, back in the squad for the first time since May following hamstring and Achilles issues.
Borussia Dortmund’s starting XI features a couple of old Premier League pals. Marcel Sabitzer turned out on loan for Manchester United last season, while captain Emre Can played in the final of this competition for Liverpool in 2018. Donyell Malen played youth football for Arsenal.
A welcome reminder of what happened last time round …
Newcastle United have started their Group F campaign brilliantly: an assured draw at San Siro followed by a 4-1 rout of Kylian Mbappé’s PSG. Borussia Dortmund, not so much: they were beaten 2-0 in Paris in their opening fixture, and were held goalless at home by Milan last time round. The Toon sit atop the group; Dortmund are at the bottom having yet to find the net.
Big evening coming up on Tyneside, then. Eddie Howe’s side are coming off a confident 4-0 rout of Crystal Palace, and have scored 21 goals in their last six matches. Another goalfest tonight would see them take control of this section. Dortmund don’t lose many, though – the defeat in Paris is their only one of the season so far – and with the Germans desperate for a result that will keep them in contention, this is set up deliciously for fun. Kick off is at 8pm BST. It’s on!