Newcastle United vs Borussia Dortmund: 3 key battles to look out for | UEFA Champions League 2023-24

Newcastle United will engage Borussia Dortmund in a blockbuster UEFA Champions League fixture. The match is slated to be played at Saint James' Park on Wednesday (October 25).

The Magpies are the present group leaders, having registered four points from two games. Meanwhile, Schwarzgelben have only secured one point from two games, and they are the bottom team in the Group F standings.

This listicle will examine three key individual battles that could infer the possible outcome of this encounter.

#3 Sean Longstaff vs Emre Can

Newcastle United FC v Paris Saint-Germain: Group F - UEFA Champions League 2023/24

Best known for his remarkable proficiency to score from range and his decent ball-winning prowess in midfield, Sean Longstaff is a player that Borussia Dortmund's defense should keep an eye on.

Longstaff has been one of the Magpies' most in-form players as he has netted three goals in his last five games across all competitions.

Monitoring his movements in the opponent's half is tough because his vision with the ball is extraordinary. Hence, Emre Can has to keep him under close watch.

However, Can is an experienced midfield player with a good proficiency in stabilizing the midfield and closing down the little pockets of space. So, it remains to be seen if he will pocket Longstaff in this crucial battle.

#2 Julian Brandt vs Kieran Trippier

Borussia Dortmund v SV Werder Bremen - Bundesliga

The most intelligent attacker for the German side going into this clash is Julian Brandt, as he's very technical in front of goal.

Monitoring his movements could prove to be difficult, as he's also extremely fast and tricky with the ball at his feet.

Hence, Kieran Trippier will have to avoid his usual excessive overlapping if he intends to silence Brandt in this clash.

#1 Alexander Isak vs Mats Hummels

West Ham United v Newcastle United - Premier League

Given his stunning numbers in attack for the Magpies so far, the Swedish striker will most likely lead the line in attack, ahead of Callum Wilson.

Isak has netted four goals in his last five games for Newcastle United. While the number above is a good moral boost for Isak going into this clash, it's an indication for Schwarzgelben defenders that they need to keep Isak under close watch.

This is where Hummels comes in as he's expected to utilize his massive defensive experience in stopping Isak in this encounter.