“Spurs are on the ropes” – Sky pundit predicts if Pochettino’s side can avoid Champions League exit

Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has shared his score prediction ahead of tonight’s game between Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side take a three goal advantage into the second leg at the Westenfalenstadion after an impressive second half display at Wembley that saw them shock their opponents with goals from Heung-min Son, Jan Vertonghen and Fernando Llorente.

An away goal could be crucial for Spurs this evening as it would leave the Bundesliga leaders with a monumental effort to try and book their place in the last eight of the Champions League.

Dortmund are boosted by the return of key man Marco Reus, after the striker missed the first leg.

If Spurs can navigate their way past their German opponents, it would only be the second time they have managed to book their place in the quarter final of the competition.

Nicholas believes that despite Tottenham’s indifferent displays in recent matches, they will just have enough to edge past Dortmund.

He told Sky Sports: “It’s not over, the way Spurs are going through things at the moment. There’s some tidying up to be done. Spurs are on the ropes, not playing well, the effort and energy is there but defensively they’re vulnerable. Pochettino doesn’t know what his best centre-back pairing is, it’s disrupted them.

“Dortmund were the better team at Wembley in the first half but ended up losing 3-0 so we know how quickly this can turn – I think Spurs need a goal to get through, and I think they will because there’s a goal in them. It’s going to be a nervy night, but Dortmund will have to go gung-ho which helps them.

“Prediction: 3-1.”

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