Borussia Dortmund host Tottenham in the Europa League on Thursday. This is the first ever competitive UEFA encounter between these two clubs, although they have met in friendlies before. It is sure to be a closely fought tie, with Dortmund in fine home form, while Tottenham have been useful on their European travels this season.
With this in mind, here is a combined XI comprising of players of the two clubs. Jan Vertonghen and Dele Alli are unavailable for the first leg, so miss out on selection here
Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris:Â (Tottenham)
The Frenchman is one of the best stoppers in Europe, firmly established as Tottenham’s number one.
Right- back: Erik Durm (Dortmund)
Not a household name by any means, but this full back can get the job done. Despite only making a couple of appearances, Durm is a very talented player.
Centre-back: Mats Hummels (Dortmund)
One of the best defenders in the Bundesliga, and indeed Europe. An absolute shoe-in for this combined team, and Spurs will have to work hard to get past him.
Centre-back: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham)
With Jan Vertonghen absent from the first leg, there will be added pressure on his defensive partner to keep the likes of Aubameyang quiet. Luckily for Spurs fans, Alderweireld is one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League this season.
Left-back: Marcel Schmelzer (Dortmund)
An experienced figure in the Dortmund backline.
Right-midfield: Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Dortmund)
A good all-round player, and having another good season. Very important to Dortmund’s cause.
Centre-midfield: Marco Reus: (Dortmund)
Joint-second top scorer for Dortmund this season, and he is quick and versatile. Hat-trick against Odds BK got the German club into the Europa League.
Centre-midfield: Moussa Dembele: (Tottenham)
Revitalised under Mauricio Pochettino, his battling displays in midfield have caught the eye this season.
Left-midfield: Christian Eriksen (Tottenham)
Spurs will look to the likes of Eriksen and Kane to produce the goods. And with Dele Alli absent, there will be more impetus for Eriksen to produce the goods and the flair needed to win a tricky tie such as this.
Striker: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: (Dortmund)
Banging in the goals this season, with more than 20 to his name. Just getting better and better with every season.
Striker: Harry Kane: (Tottenham)
One of the Premier League’s top strikers when he is on his game. Will surely he a figurehead at club and international level for many years to come.
This combined XI might cause a bit of a debate. Who would you have in?
By Steve Osborne                 @BlizzardSteve75
