In every competition there is a proverbial Group of Death, but I can’t think of a more fatal grouping that Group F in this season’s UEFA Champions League. Four sides that are just not big, but huge, clubs right now. And as it is spooky season right now, with Halloween just over a week away, let’s preview the next Group of Death clash- Borussia Dortmund visiting Newcastle United.
It really is a shame that only two clubs from the Group F quartet will be moving on to the knockout round.
Borussia Dortmund at Newcastle United FYIs
Kickoff: Wed. Oct. 25, 8pm, St. James Park, Newcastle, UK
Competition: UEFA Champions League Group F, The Group of Death
Preview Material for Both Sides: Team News Starting XI Predictions
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
UCL Group Standing, Form: Borussia Dortmund 4th, 1 pt, DL Newcastle United, 4 pts, WD
Google Result Probability: Borussia Dortmund 21% Draw 24% Newcastle United 55%
Team News for Both Sides
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is dealing with a high number of injury problems right now. Harvey Barnes is a confirmed long-term absentee, due to his foot problem. Sven Botman (knee injury) will likely miss out too.
Meanwhile Joe Willock (thigh) and Lewis Miley (unspecified issue) face late fitness tests here.
Shifting to Borussia Dortmund, they could be without the services of Youssoufa Moukoko, as he suffered a thigh strain while on international duty.
And then finally, Julien Duranville remains out long-term while Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck are on yellow card accumulation watch.
The next booking, for each of them, would result in suspension.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram