Borussia Dortmund vs AEK Athens FC Predicted Lineups and Team News

Borussia Dortmund welcome AEK Athens FC to Signal Iduna Park in the UEFA Champions League league stage, with both sides looking to position themselves strongly in the early part of the League Phase. The fixture is set for 27 January 2027, and while the standings currently show both teams on 0 points with no games played, this clash already carries weight in the wider qualification picture.

In the overall league table snapshot, AEK Athens FC are listed 1st in the League Phase group, with a recent continental record showing a strong run of form (two matches unbeaten with a win and a draw, and four goals scored without reply). Borussia Dortmund sit 5th in the same League Phase block, also on 0 points and yet to kick a ball in this campaign, so this match becomes an early litmus test for their ambitions. With both clubs still at the starting line in terms of points, predicted lineups and expected starting lineup choices will be crucial in shaping the tactical balance of the night.

AEK Athens FC arrive with momentum from their recent Champions League fixtures, including a 4-0 home win and another clean sheet away, while Dortmund are building into the competition from a standing start. That contrast in competitive rhythm, combined with the home advantage at Signal Iduna Park, makes this one of the more intriguing lineups today in the league stage round.

Borussia Dortmund Team News & Expected Lineups Today

There are no listed injuries or suspensions for Borussia Dortmund ahead of this tie, so the expectation is that they will have a full squad available from the named group. With no recent Champions League form string recorded yet in the standings, the German side are effectively entering this match with a clean slate and the freedom to shape their European identity for the 2026 season.

Given the depth in midfield and attack, Dortmund are expected to lean on a technically strong, ball-dominant approach, using their central players to control tempo and create between the lines. The manager is likely to select an experienced goalkeeper and a solid defensive core, complemented by creative midfielders such as J. Bellingham and M. Sabitzer, and a powerful focal point in S. Guirassy. The expected lineup should reflect a balance between stability at the back and vertical threat in transition.

Borussia Dortmund Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup

Predicted Starting XI:
GK: G. Kobel
DF: W. Anton, R. Bensebaïni, N. Schlotterbeck, Enzo Dos Santos
MF: J. Ryerson, J. Bellingham, M. Sabitzer, J. Veerman
FW: S. Guirassy, Fábio Silva

This predicted starting lineup for Borussia Dortmund is built around a strong spine. G. Kobel is the logical choice in goal, offering experience and reliability. At the back, W. Anton, R. Bensebaïni and N. Schlotterbeck provide a mix of aerial presence and ball-playing ability, with Enzo Dos Santos completing a defensive unit capable of holding a high line and engaging early in duels.

In midfield, J. Ryerson is listed as a midfielder and can operate as a dynamic wide or hybrid option, while J. Bellingham and M. Sabitzer give Dortmund technical quality, pressing energy and goal threat from deeper areas. J. Veerman adds composure and passing range, helping to dictate rhythm and feed the forwards. Up front, S. Guirassy offers a strong central presence, link play and penalty-box instincts, with Fábio Silva providing movement across the front line and an additional finishing outlet. With no Champions League top scorers or assists listed from Dortmund so far, this match is an opportunity for these names to establish themselves statistically in the competition.

AEK Athens FC Team News & Expected Lineups Today

AEK Athens FC also come into this fixture without any officially listed injuries or suspensions, meaning the coach can select from a full squad. Their league data in this Champions League season is already encouraging: two matches played, one win and one draw, four goals scored and none conceded, and a form string of DW in the league context. That defensive solidity and early attacking efficiency will heavily influence how their lineups today are constructed.

With a clean sheet in both of their last two Champions League outings and a recent preference for a shape recorded as using a 4-4-2 in two matches, AEK Athens FC are expected to maintain an organised, balanced structure. The manager will likely aim to remain compact out of possession, then break quickly through wide midfielders and forwards such as B. Varga, who has already emerged as a key attacking figure in the competition.

AEK Athens FC Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup

Predicted Starting XI:
GK: T. Strakosha
DF: H. Moukoudi, C. Lykogiannis, L. Rota, D. Vida
MF: M. Gaćinović, L. Majer, P. Mantalos, R. Marin
FW: B. Varga, L. Jović
(4-4-2)

AEK Athens FC’s predicted starting lineup is heavily influenced by their early Champions League form and the presence of a standout scorer. B. Varga is currently one of the top scorers in the competition for his club, with 2 goals in 2 appearances, averaging 2.0 goals per game for AEK Athens FC in this sample. His rating of 7.95 across 114 minutes, combined with 3 shots (2 on target), underlines his importance as a clinical finisher and aerial threat. Partnering him with L. Jović gives AEK a dual-striker setup capable of stretching Dortmund’s back line.

Behind them, a midfield of M. Gaćinović, L. Majer, P. Mantalos and R. Marin offers a blend of creativity, work rate and technical quality. Mantalos, as an experienced figure, can knit play and supply the forwards, while Majer and Marin contribute ball progression and set-piece quality. At the back, T. Strakosha is a natural choice in goal, protected by a defensive line featuring H. Moukoudi and D. Vida centrally, with C. Lykogiannis and L. Rota providing width and defensive balance. With AEK having kept two clean sheets and conceded 0 goals so far, this structure has proven effective and is expected to be retained.

Injuries and Suspended Players Impact

With no officially listed injuries or suspensions for either side, the impact of absences on this match is minimal. Both managers can focus entirely on tactical selection and in-game adjustments rather than forced changes due to unavailability.

Borussia Dortmund Absences:

• No significant absences reported.

AEK Athens FC Absences:

• No significant absences reported.

Tactical Analysis: How the Lineups Match Up

The tactical battle is likely to revolve around Borussia Dortmund’s technical midfield and AEK Athens FC’s structured 4-4-2. Dortmund, with players such as J. Bellingham, M. Sabitzer and J. Veerman, are well-equipped to dominate central possession, recycle the ball and look for vertical passes into S. Guirassy and Fábio Silva. Their predicted back line, featuring R. Bensebaïni and N. Schlotterbeck, should be comfortable stepping into midfield to compress the pitch and keep AEK pinned in their own half for long spells.

AEK Athens FC, however, bring a different kind of threat. Their league form shows 4 goals scored and none conceded in two Champions League fixtures, with goals spread across early phases of matches: two in the first 15 minutes, one between 16–30 minutes and one just after half-time. That suggests they start quickly and can hurt opponents before defensive structures fully settle. With a 4-4-2, they can form two compact banks of four out of possession, forcing Dortmund into wide areas and then springing forward through B. Varga and L. Jović once the ball is regained. Varga’s ability to win duels (9 won out of 18) and link play, combined with the creative supply from midfielders like P. Mantalos and L. Majer, makes transitions a key danger zone for Dortmund.

Match Prediction and Verdict

The prediction model offers no clear favourite, assigning 33% to a Borussia Dortmund win, 33% to a draw and 33% to an AEK Athens FC victory. With no explicit winner indicated and no projected goal values provided, this is assessed as an evenly balanced contest on paper. Dortmund’s home advantage at Signal Iduna Park and their deeper squad quality suggest they should see more of the ball, but AEK’s recent Champions League form — unbeaten in two, with four goals scored and none conceded — indicates they are fully capable of taking something from the game.

Given the evenly split win probabilities and AEK’s proven defensive resilience, a tight, low-scoring contest looks the most plausible scenario. Dortmund may edge territory and chances, while AEK rely on the efficiency of B. Varga and the stability of their 4-4-2 block. With no directional edge in the prediction percentages, the most data-aligned verdict is a share of the points.

Predicted Outcome: Borussia Dortmund 1–1 AEK Athens FC

How to Watch Borussia Dortmund vs AEK Athens FC Worldwide

Here is how you can watch the match and see the official lineups today live:

• Spain: Local sports pay-TV channel / streaming platform
• UK: Major sports broadcaster or official UEFA streaming partner
• USA / North America: National soccer network or subscription streaming service
• South America: Regional sports cable channel or OTT football platform
• MENA: Pan-regional sports network with UEFA rights or official streaming app