Both sides are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1, which makes this a fascinating mirror-image contest. Hoeneß and Kovac have leaned on largely the same groups across recent matches, so the shapes will be familiar. The battle will be won and lost in the middle of the park. Dortmund's double pivot of Bellingham and Nmecha looks physically dominant, capable of winning second balls and springing the front three. Stuttgart will look to Undav to hold the ball up and bring the half-space runners into play, but they must find a way past a back three that concedes few clear chances.

Out wide, the wing-back duel is crucial. Ryerson and Svensson for Dortmund offer relentless energy, while Stuttgart's wide centre-backs will be dragged into uncomfortable areas. Set-pieces could be Stuttgart's best route to goal, with their tall defenders attacking the box, but Dortmund's height at the back makes that a tough ask. The likely game state is Dortmund controlling possession, Stuttgart looking to counter, and the visitors' superior individual quality telling in the final third.