The Bundesliga giants responded from their shock at the Westfalenstadion with a 6-0 trouncing of Borussia Monchengladbach at the weekend to gear up for the second leg at Ibrox in style.
Rangers received a boost when Erling Haaland did not travel with the German side but there are still plenty of other talented players lining up against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team for the manager to consider thwarting to engineer a memorable and eye-catching progression into the Europa League last 16.
He’s pledged not to sit back and absorb Dortmund attacks, and having scored four on the road, he has firepower in his armoury but decisions to make over his personnel – and he might need to.
Ibrox took Jude Bellingham’s breath away when he attended pre-match training on Wednesday night and, with 50,000 fans in a sell-out stadium, it promises to be a big night in Glasgow.
Here’s how the home side could line up.
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5. Leon Balogun - CB
They play different positions but Leon Balogun seems to be in a straight fight with Borna Barisic for a start. After returning from injury, the German-born Nigerian is expected to partner Conor Goldson, which will have a domino effect on the defence but has a wider passing range and experience than Calvin Bassey which could be key against some wily forwards. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
6. Calvin Bassey - LB
Bassey will almost certainly be handed a start - and likely at left-back to allow Leon Balogun to partner Connor Goldson. That's no reflection of an excellent centre-half performance last week, but he gives power, strength and versatility should Rangers need to tighten up and can move inside with Barisic in reserve. He's also high in confidence after an extended run in the first team. Photo: Ian MacNicol
7. Glen Kamara - MC
The toughest decision for van Bronckhorst falls in the middle of the park. John Lundstram has been terrific and scored a screamer last week, but ball retention will be key to see this tie through and that's Kamara's forte and he might be preferred over the Englishman, but it's a tight call for the Ibrox coaching staff. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
8. Scott Arfield - RM
Another utility man who can sit in and play a role in midfield, close down and hunt possession or link attacks. Whatever is needed Arfield can provide it to van Bronckhorst's team ither in a 4-2-3-1 as in Dortmund or in the 4-3-3 narrow or wide. A valuable and busy asset who has enjoyed many a successful European night since joining the club. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group