Image source, Getty Images

Tonight's game is a significant milestone for Mauricio Pochettino, with it being his 100th game in charge of Tottenham.

It's hard to argue with the progress made in the previous 99 games, with Spurs battling for both domestic and European success this season, and Pochettino believes their disappointment with 'only' drawing with Arsenal last time out highlights just how far they have come.

“Arsenal were in a different level a few years ago and a draw in a big derby was a good result – but now when you only draw with Arsenal it’s a good thing to be disappointed," he said. “It is a very good challenge against Dortmund but we are in a key moment and we are stronger before."

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Defending champions Sevilla are away to Swiss club Basel, while Gary Neville's Valencia make the short journey up to the Basque Country to take on fellow Spaniards Athletic Bilbao.

Bayer Leverkusen are hosting another Spanish team in Villarreal, while 2011 finalists Braga of Portugal travel to Istanbul to play Robin van Persie's Fenerbahce.

And completing the night's last-16 first legs, Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk welcome Anderlecht of Belgium, with Czech side Sparta Prague hosting Lazio.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

BBC Radio 5 live commentator Alistair Bruce-Ball is in position at the ever impressive Westfalenstadion. 

It was empty when Alistair took the above picture, but I'd imagine those fans milling around outside will have now made their way in, with kick-off in 40 minutes.

A strong Dortmund team versus a weakened Spurs one. This is a two legged affair, but could this tie be over before we even get back to White Hart Lane? It would also suggest Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is prioritising the Premier League, where they are five points behind leaders Leicester.

Should Tottenham be putting potential domestic success ahead of going the distance in Europe? Or should Spurs be going for it in every competition they are in? 

Also, which of the Premier League teams do you think has the best chance of winning the Europa League and why?

Get involved via #bbcfootball,, external text in via 81111 (UK only) or post a comment on the Match of the Day Facebook page.

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With his side battling for domestic as well as European success, Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino makes seven changes. Nacer Chadli starts in attack with Harry Kane on the bench. Eighteen-year-old Josh Onomah also starts.

Hosts Dortmund make two changes, with Roman Weidenfeller starting in goal and Gonzalo Castro coming into midfield.

Dortmund XI: Weidenfeller, Durm, Piszczek, Bender, Hummels, Schmelzer, Weigl, Castro, Mkhitaryan, Reus, Aubameyang.     

Tottenham XI: Lloris, Trippier, Alderweireld, Wimmer, Davies; Carroll, Mason, Onomah, Son, Eriksen, Chadli,

There are of course six other Europa League last 16 ties tonight, more on those shortly, but with Tottenham's game at Dortmund starting in under one hour's time, lets have look at the team Mauricio Pochettino has gone for...

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

You can listen to full match commentary of Spurs' match in the imposing Westfalenstadion tonight - but you'll have to change sides at half-time... 

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra will have the first half - with the second broadcast over on BBC Radio 5 live. 

There's nothing complicated about the later billing though - Liverpool's home tie with Manchester United is on BBC Radio 5 live all the way - kick-off is 20:05 GMT.

Not my words, the words of Stoke City striker Peter Crouch...

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It's Thursday night. It's the Europa League.

Now usually that would be all the information some people would need to make the decision to go find something else to do - paint a wall maybe - but not tonight.

Tonight we have ties worthy of gracing the Champions League as Borussia Dortmund host Tottenham (18:00 GMT) before Liverpool take on old rivals Manchester United (20:05) in the first European meeting between the two.

The promise of some top quality football on the eve of the start of the weekend. Does it get much better?

Start with three dollops of Premier League heavyweights...

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...add a dash of Dortmund...

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...sprinkle a bit of rivalry spice...

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...and simmer for, say, five hours, turning the heat up when necessary.

What have you got? 

The perfect recipe for a tasty night of Europa League action...