The official Sabah FA vs Borussia Dortmund lineups are in for the third matchday of the Champions League. Sabah FA go with a 4-2-3-1 at home, while Borussia Dortmund name Gregor Kobel in goal and line up in a 3-5-2 behind a back three.
Dortmund's back three and Kobel's role
That shape gives Dortmund a clearer defensive spine from the start, with Kobel behind Waldemar Anton, Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaïni. Kobel has already started 2 Champions League matches this season and played 180 minutes, so this is not a one-off gamble. His 7.25 rating in the competition this season points to a goalkeeper Dortmund trust in Europe.
The wing-back slots go to Julian Ryerson and Daniel Svensson, with Joey Veerman, Carney Chukwuemeka and Félix Nmecha in midfield. Up front, Serhou Guirassy is supported by Fabio Silva. Dortmund sit 18th in the Champions League standings with 3 points, which gives this setup a practical edge rather than just a stylistic one.
Sabah FA's home setup
Sabah FA also have 3 points from their first 2 Champions League matches, so the home side are not coming into this as passengers. S. Pokatilov starts in goal as Sabah keep faith with the 4-2-3-1. That shape should help them keep their midfield compact against Dortmund's extra man in central areas, especially with the visitors leaning into wing-backs.
Sabah's European numbers are not especially flashy, but they have enough in the group to keep this tie live if they manage the first phase well. The key fact before kickoff is simple enough: Dortmund have picked the more aggressive-looking structure, and Kobel's start is central to it.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
