Champions League thriller expected as City take on Dortmund

Sixth meets seventh in Wednesday’s Champions League clash at the Etihad Stadium, where Manchester City face Borussia Dortmund in a battle between two European heavyweights. Both clubs have seven points from three games, but Dortmund are just ahead thanks to a slightly better goal difference.

Match preview

Manchester City have started this European campaign in steady fashion. Pep Guardiola’s team have faced three strong sides in Napoli, Monaco and Villarreal, collecting seven points without too much trouble. A 2-0 victory over Napoli was followed by a thrilling 2-2 draw with Monaco and another 2-0 win against Villarreal.

Despite those solid results, City’s six goals make them the lowest scorers among the top 12 teams in the standings. Still, seventh place is good enough for direct qualification to the last 16, and the English champions have looked sharp again in recent weeks. After a disappointing defeat to Aston Villa, they responded with back-to-back 3-1 league wins over Swansea City and Bournemouth.

Erling Haaland was once again the star, scoring twice against Bournemouth and reminding everyone of his incredible consistency. City’s record against German clubs is also strong. They have won their last 11 home games against teams from Germany and have never lost to Dortmund at the Etihad.

Dortmund in scoring mood

Borussia Dortmund arrive in Manchester full of confidence after a stunning run of high-scoring performances in Europe. Niko Kovac’s side have scored four goals in each of their three Champions League games so far. They drew 4-4 with Juventus before beating Athletic Bilbao 4-1 and Copenhagen 4-2.

Those results mean Dortmund have scored 12 goals in total, the second-highest tally in the competition so far. Their young stars have impressed, with Felix Nmecha netting a brace against Copenhagen and Jobe Bellingham providing two assists.

Domestically, Dortmund’s matches have been more controlled. They have scored only once in each of their last three domestic fixtures but still won all of them, including a DFB-Pokal victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties. Dortmund have also found the net in every away game this season, and they have scored on all three previous trips to the Etihad, although both visits in 2021 and 2022 ended in 2-1 defeats.

Team news

Manchester City have just one injury concern as Mateo Kovacic continues his recovery from an ankle problem. Bernardo Silva is available but must avoid a yellow card or he will be suspended for the next Champions League match. Haaland, fully fit, will once again lead the line against his former club, while Rodri is also ready to start.

Dortmund are expected to welcome back both Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Sule, who have recovered from illness and a toe injury respectively. Youngster Julien Duranville remains out, but otherwise, Kovac has a full squad to choose from. Mario Gotze could also feature against his former team, while Felix Nmecha and Bellingham are set to play key roles in midfield.

Prediction

Manchester City 2–1 Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund have been outstanding in attack this season, but City’s home record in Europe is almost unbeatable. With Haaland in top form and Guardiola’s side looking more confident, the English champions should edge a tight but exciting contest at the Etihad.

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