Dortmund vs Villarreal

Borussia Dortmund open their Champions League campaign at home against Villarreal, and the gulf in form makes this an early statement opportunity for the Germans. Dortmund arrive off three straight wins, sitting second in the Bundesliga after edging Hoffenheim 3-2, while Villarreal are still searching for their first victory of the season following a defeat to Deportivo La Coruña. Watch for Jobe Bellingham pulling strings centrally and Serhou Guirassy leading the line, with Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri a lively option off the bench. Villarreal will lean on Nicolás Pepé and Gerard Moreno to create something up front. Dortmund are without centre-backs Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini through suspension, plus Emre Can (ACL), forcing a switch to a back three, while Villarreal are close to full strength. The two sides met just once before, last season, when Dortmund won 4-0. With home advantage and momentum on their side, expect another comfortable night for the hosts. Our prediction: 3-1