Dortmund were comfortably able to secure a 2-0 win in the first leg against Atalanta, putting them in a commanding position to feature in the Champions League round of 16. Atalanta struggled to create any noteworthy chances - despite having more of the ball than Dortmund, the visitors managed just seven shots worth 0.47 xG. 

Meanwhile, Dortmund were devastatingly efficient on the counter, registering nine shots worth 2.1 xG. The Black and Yellows have been strong in the final third recently and have scored multiple goals in each of their last five matches across all competitions. Serhou Guirassy, in particular, comes into this clash in a purple patch, with six goals in those five matches. 

It’s going to be a tough ask for Atalanta to keep Dortmund out, but the Bergamo side will definitely pose more of a threat on home turf. They secured a 2-1 win against Napoli at the weekend, which will provide a much-needed confidence boost. 

The New Balance Arena has proven to be a tough place to visit for away sides, and Atalanta have pulled off some impressive results on home turf this season. They secured a 3-0 win against Juventus in the Coppa Italia a couple of weeks ago, and they also managed to beat Chelsea earlier in the Champions League. 

Atalanta have a two-goal deficit to overcome, so they will have to be attack-minded in their approach, and they could get desperate at times. Despite their lacklustre showing in the first leg, this selection did still land as Gregor Kobel was forced into three saves.

The Dortmund keeper has been kept busy this season, averaging 2.77 saves per game across all competitions, rising to 3.33 when playing away. This selection has landed in all four of Dortmund’s Champions League matches on the road this campaign.

Mario Pasalic managed just the one shot against Dortmund, which missed the target, but he had more success in the final third against Napoli at the weekend.

Pasalic played the full 90 alongside Marten De Roon in midfield and managed to find the back of the net against Gli Azzurri. Pasalic recorded three shots, all of which came from inside the box, and one hit the target. 

The Croatian international was also recently on the scoresheet against Juventus, meaning he has now contributed to three goals in his last four appearances across all competitions. Raffaele Palladino is likely to stick with Pasalic in midfield, as he will be able to provide that extra creativity going forward, which Atalanta desperately need for this second leg clash. 

Pasalic has six goals to his name from 29 appearances this season, and all of those have come at the New Balance Arena.

After taking a two-goal lead in the first half, Dortmund were happy to sit deep and allow Atalanta to have the ball. Atalanta managed 61% possession in the second period, and it is likely to be something similar on Wednesday night. 

Dortmund should have plenty of defensive work to get through, and they will once again have to be resilient. Ramy Bensebaini was fouled twice in the first leg, which relieved the pressure on his side and allowed them to establish some control. The Algerian international was also fouled three times against RB Leipzig at the weekend - he does tend to go down quite easily, and is adept at drawing cheap free-kicks. 

Especially in the Champions League, Bensebaini is averaging 1.71 fouls drawn per 90 this season, and has landed this selection in all eight of his appearances. 

Despite having to contend without Nico Schlotterbeck in the first leg, Dortmund looked resolute at the back against Atalanta, and the Italian side were unable to fashion any meaningful chances. Waldemar Anton played his role in defence, and he was kept relatively busy. The German international recorded three fouls, which was the joint-most of any player on the pitch, and was carded. 

Once again, Anton should have plenty of defensive work to get through in the second leg, especially with Atalanta chasing the game. La Dea tends to perform much better at the New Balance Arena, so will be hopeful of securing a comeback. 

Anton will have to maintain his aggressive approach at the back, as Dortmund will aim for a similar result. The centre back is averaging 1.04 fouls per 90 across all competitions this season, and has landed this selection in 11 of his last 14 away matches.