Borussia Dortmund target 'struggling' Villarreal in vital Champions League clash

The German side were dismantled 4-1 at the Etihad earlier this month, their only loss so far in this European campaign.

Despite that setback, Dortmund have looked strong in their other three league-phase matches, scoring four goals in each. They shared an eight-goal thriller with Juventus and secured comfortable wins over Athletic Bilbao and Copenhagen.

They sit on seven points in the group, just shy of automatic qualification.

Manager Niko Kovac faces some selection issues. Defender Niklas Sule remains sidelined after suffering a calf injury, which could keep him out for two months.

Meanwhile, Ramy Bensebaini has been managing back trouble, something Kovac acknowledged in recent press conferences.

On a brighter note, Kovac is likely to rotate his squad after the 3-3 draw with VfB Stuttgart, with full-backs Yan Couto and Daniel Svensson, plus midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, pushing for returns. Karim Adeyemi, who came on as a substitute in that game and scored, is also in contention for a start.

Villarreal arrive in Germany under significant pressure. Domestically, they are doing well, they have won their last three La Liga games and currently occupy third place behind Real Madrid and Barcelona. But in Europe, they remain stuck: they have zero wins in the Champions League this season, having drawn with Juventus and lost to Tottenham, Manchester City, and Pafos.

The Yellow Submarine are also weakened by long-term injuries. Pau Cabanes is out for the season following a serious knee ligament injury, and Logan Costa is also sidelined with a ligament issue.

Defender Willy Kambwala recently underwent surgery for a thigh muscle tear and is not expected back until early next year.

Manor Solomon may also miss out due to back problems, although Georges Mikautadze is pushing for a return after a muscle injury.

This will be the first competitive meeting between Dortmund and Villarreal.

Dortmund have looked solid at home in Europe, they have lost just one of their last 19 Champions League home games.

For Villarreal, the task is daunting: they are still searching for their first win in the group and will need to be clinical if they are to upset the hosts.