Both sides are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1, which makes this a fascinating mirror-image contest. Hoeneß and Kovac both lean on the same group week to week, so the shapes will be familiar. The battle will be won in the half-spaces and in the double pivot. Dortmund's midfield of Bellingham and Nmecha looks physically superior, capable of winning second balls and driving through the lines. Stuttgart will need Undav to hold the ball up and bring the wide runners into play, but against Schlotterbeck and Anton, that is a tough ask.

Stuttgart's injury list is a real problem. Assignon, Diehl, Jaquez, Malanga, Seimen, Tomás and Zagadou are all out, with Nartey doubtful. That is a makeshift backline, and it will be tested by Guirassy, a striker who smells blood in the box. Dortmund's wing-backs, Ryerson and Svensson, will push high and pin Stuttgart's midfield deeper, creating space for Nwaneri to drift inside. Set-pieces also favour the visitors: Schlotterbeck and Anton are aerial threats, and Stuttgart's patched-up defence may struggle to cope.

The likely game state is Dortmund controlling possession, probing for gaps, while Stuttgart look to counter through Undav and their inside forwards. But with a depleted squad and shaky league form, Stuttgart's press may lack the coordination to truly disrupt Dortmund's rhythm. Expect Kovac's men to dictate the tempo.