A comprehensive preview explores the upcoming Champions League clash between Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund, detailing potential lineups, tactical insights, and expert predictions for the pivotal match.
Manchester City prepares to host Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium this Wednesday in a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League league-phase fixture.
The match serves as a crucial test for both sides, who currently sit joint on seven points after three European outings, though Dortmund holds a marginally superior position by goal difference.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City enters the contest in formidable domestic form, having secured successive 3-1 victories over Swansea City and Bournemouth, recovering well from a recent defeat to Aston Villa. City’s European campaign has also been solid, with wins over Napoli and Villarreal sandwiching a four-goal draw against Monaco.
Crucially, the Citizens boast an exceptional record at home against German opposition, winning their last 11 competitive home matches against Bundesliga teams and remaining unbeaten against Dortmund on their own turf.
All eyes, however, will be on Erling Haaland, who faces his former club. The Norwegian striker has been the catalyst for City’s remarkable run, scoring twice in the weekend’s Premier League win and continuing his pursuit of history; he is aiming to become the first player to score in five consecutive Champions League appearances for three different clubs (Salzburg, Dortmund, and City).
Dortmund, under manager Niko Kovač, arrive in Manchester full of confidence, despite being slightly less potent domestically.
They have accumulated seven points in the Champions League and, intriguingly, have found the net no fewer than four goals in every European game so far this season.
Dortmund midfielder Pascal Gross acknowledged the challenge posed by his former teammate. “Haaland is an outstanding player who puts up incredible numbers,” Gross stated. “We have to stop him as a collective. We have to play our game together as a team.”
Gross also hinted at City’s vulnerability, adding: “City might be more beatable than in years gone by, but they still have absolute world-class players in their ranks, and are in a development phase.”
Kovač emphasised a proactive approach for his team. “We have to defend high up the pitch,” the Dortmund boss insisted.
“If we just sit back deep, then the opposing team has the quality to work us over. We want to keep the game away from our own goal and stay true to that. We take that risk.”
City will be without Mateo Kovačić due to an ankle injury. Dortmund will miss captain Julian Brandt (muscular problem) and Niklas Süle (toe injury).