Tottenham Hotspur to Face Borussia Dortmund in Champions League Amidst Poor 2026 Form

This robust run of form serves as a daunting backdrop for a Tottenham side desperate to reverse its fortunes. The German giants have not tasted defeat in seven matches, establishing a momentum that contrasts sharply with their hosts.

Tottenham Hotspur's dismal start to 2026 has triggered alarms within the club's hierarchy. The team managed only seven points from four matches against the league's bottom four sides, a return that has left the board questioning the current direction.

Spurs enter this contest on a five-game winless streak across all competitions. This slump was punctuated by a demoralizing home defeat to West Ham on Saturday, further straining the atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Manager Thomas Frank's position is now precarious, with internal discussions regarding his future already underway. As of January 20, 2026, Frank’s record is marred by this winless stretch and a ninth league defeat of the season.

A poor showing against Dortmund could force the board to take decisive action regarding the managerial position. The Champions League remains the primary platform for Tottenham to salvage its season and prove its European pedigree.

The squad faces significant absences that will test its depth at the worst possible moment. Ben Davies is sidelined after undergoing surgery for a fractured left ankle sustained against West Ham.

Micky van de Ven is also unavailable, serving a suspension after accumulating three yellow cards during the league phase. Pape Matar Sarr is unlikely to be fit for selection, further thinning Frank's midfield options.

In a rare boost for the London side, Dominic Solanke is expected to feature and has regained his place in the Champions League squad despite a recent injury. Jobe Bellingham is also anticipated to start in midfield, a key area given the team's recent struggles.

Uncertainty remains over on-loan Chelsea defender Aaron Anselmino. Having not played since December, his availability for such a high-intensity fixture is doubtful.

Borussia Dortmund represents a significant step up in quality compared to Tottenham's previous league phase opponents, Slavia Prague and Copenhagen. The history between these two clubs adds a layer of psychological intrigue to the encounter.

During the 2019-2020 Champions League round of 16, Tottenham advanced after a 2-2 aggregate draw, progressing on away goals. The first leg in London featured goals from Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura for Spurs, while Jadon Sancho and Marco Reus struck for Dortmund.

The return leg at the Westfalenstadion mirrored the first with another 2-2 draw. Harry Kane and Son Heung-min provided the goals for Tottenham that night, while AchHe{

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