When the scripts were written nearly a month ago, Europe was informed that Jürgen Klopp would be reuniting with his former club, Borussia Dortmund. Only this time, he would return to Signal Iduna Park with his army of reds, as Liverpool take on Borussia Dortmund in the quarter final of the Europa league, tonight.
Previous round
Klopp's Liverpool advanced to the quarter finals after a dominant win over fierce rivals Manchester United. The Reds won the first leg at Anfield 2-0, a penalty from Daniel Sturridge and a late goal from Robert Firmino gifting Liverpool with a huge advantage ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford. In the second leg, a first half penalty from Anthony Martial gave the game its spark back, only to be cancelled out by an admirable solo goal from Philippe Coutinho on the stroke of half time. Liverpool advancing 3-1 on aggregate.
Their opponents, Borussia Dortmund, faced English club Tottenham Hotspur in the previous round, defeating them emphatically over two legs, ending the tie at 5-1 on aggregate. In the first leg at home, Thomas Tuchel's team were victorious, winning the game 3-0. A first half goal from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and two second half goals from Marco Reus stunned Tottenham as they prepared for the second leg at White Hart Lane.
The second leg was not much better for the North London side, a goal from Son Heung-Min late on proved to be meaningless, as 2 goals by marksman Aubameyang cancelled out Tottenham's small glimmer of hope of advancing to the next round.
Team news
After being absent from Liverpool's last 2 league games, man in form, Roberto Firmino has recently returned to training and has made the trip to Dortmund. Midfielder Lucas Leiva and striker Christian Benteke have been ruled out of the game due to injury.
Better news for Thomas Tuchel, as World Cup winning centre back, Mats Hummels has returned to training alongside fellow World Cup winner Ilkay Gundogan.
Predicted line ups
Borussia Dortmund XI: Bürki; Piszczek, Ginter, Hummels, Schmelzer; Castro, Weigl, Durm, Mkhitaryan, Reus, Aubameyang.
Liverpool XI: Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno; Henderson, Can, Milner, Lallana, Coutinho; Sturridge.
Form
Tuchel's Dortmund are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions; winning all of them. Top scorer Aubameyang has 36 goals in competitions this season, 10 of which have come in the Europa league.
Klopp's Liverpool have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five games in all competitions. Recently named player of the month, Philippe Coutinho has been in hot form in recent matches and has declared he wishes to 'continue getting better' under manager Klopp.
Dortmund are favourites to advance into the semi-finals due to their dominance throughout the competition, however Liverpool are more than capable to match 'Die Borussen' as shown in their Europa League campaign. The game is set up to be a thrilling enconter with a blustering atmosphere, as two of Europes top sides and top supporters go head to head this evening for a spot in the semi finals.
Kickoff: 20.05 (GMT)