After boasting a perfect record of nine points from three league games before the international break, Athletic Club have failed to win any of their last four La Liga matches since, scoring just one goal in that time. Ernesto Valverde’s absence on the touchline has seemingly had a massive effect on his side - he was suspended for four matches for his comments towards the referee when Athletic Club faced Real Betis just before the international break. 

Nico Williams has also been a real miss on the flank, and without him, Los Leones have looked toothless in the final third. Considering Dortmund are undefeated this season in all competitions, boasting the joint-best defensive record in the Bundesliga with four clean sheets in five games, this looks set to be another tough encounter for the Spaniards. After finishing last season strong under Niko Kovac, the Black and Yellows have been able to retain their momentum into the new campaign.

Athletic Club have kept just one clean sheet in all competitions so far - after boasting a better defensive record than Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the Spanish top-flight last season, Los Leones seem to have regressed. 

Since the international break, Unai Simon has made a trio of saves in three out of five matches, landing this bet against Arsenal on matchday 1 of the Champions League with four saves. He has only failed to hit this mark twice this term, registering two saves against Girona, who sit rock bottom of La Liga, and two saves against Alaves as well. Dortmund are a much more potent attacking side than the aforementioned teams. 

The Black and Yellows are averaging 5.4 shots on target per game, and have drawn at least three saves in five of their seven matches in all competitions. Michele Di Gregorio made just one save for Juventus when he faced Dortmund in Europe, but he did let in four goals.

Guirassy was a late scratch against Mainz, picking up a knock in the warm-up, which would have been a real worry for Niko Kovac. The Guinea international already has five goals to his name this season in all competitions, after scoring 21 Bundesliga goals last season. 

But Karim Adeyemi really stepped up to the plate in his absence, scoring the second goal of the game to help his side pick up another three points. Dortmund's afternoon did get much easier after goalkeeper Robin Zentner was sent off, but the Black and Yellows already had a two-goal advantage, and were firmly in control of proceedings. 

Adeyemi has now scored in three consecutive games leading up to this clash, including against Juventus. The 23-year-old really looks in top form, and will be a player to watch on the right wing on Wednesday night.

Mikel Jaurezigar is averaging 1.39 shots per 90 this season in all competitions, and has landed this selection in each of his last seven starts. That includes one shot against Arsenal in the Champions League, while the Spaniard also netted his first goal of the season against Girona a couple weeks back - that was the only goal Athletic Club have scored since the last international break. 

The 21-year-old netted a memorable goal against Man United last season in the Europa League - a piledriver into the top corner from well outside the box. His goal against Girona came in similar circumstances, another powerful strike from distance after he won the ball back. In fact, seven of Jaurezigar’s 10 efforts in the league this season have come from outside the box, as he really fancies his chances from distance.