Borussia Dortmund shift their attention to the UEFA Champions League as they take on Manchester City on Wednesday. A late goal from Phil Foden saw the Black and Yellow slump to a 2-1 defeat in the first leg, meaning they will be needing a 1-0 draw to advance through to the next round. BVB will be boosted by their recent comeback win over VfB Stuttgart on the weekend, although Man City will be a much tougher nut to crack.
The Sky Blues, though, are coming on the back of a disappointing defeat to Leeds United that saw them concede a late goal from Stuart Dallas. It is also fair to point out that the Premier League giants have struggled a little bit since their defeat to Manchester United and have looked at their usual best, although they are being touted as the favourites heading into this game.
Borussia Dortmund Vs Manchester City Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Borussia Dortmund
Edin Terzic’s formula of a solid defence-oriented setup complementing a counter-attacking style of play almost worked against Manchester City in the first-leg. He is, therefore, likely to persist with a similar 4-3-3 formation, with the holding midfielder Emre Can operating as a number six/centre-back hybrid, while the two other midfielders should operate in half-spaces, looking to link up with the two wide attackers, just behind Erling Haaland.
Manchester City
Manchester City need to be careful of the Dortmund transition and simply cannot afford to make any defensive mistake. Pep Guardiola is also unlikely to employ a relatively deeper defensive line, knowing Haaland has the pace as well as the power to outmuscle any centre-back in the world. It will be interesting to see who will spearhead the attack for the Citizens this midweek.
Team News
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund are missing their key attacker in Jadon Sancho while defender Dan-Axel Zagadou is also out with a long-term injury. Terzic is likely to have all the other important players available including Mats Hummels, who had to be subbed off at halftime against Stuttgart.
Predicted Lineup: Hitz; Morey, Akanji, Hummels, Guerreiro; Bellingham, Can, Dahoud; Reyna, Haaland, Reus
Manchester City
Aymeric Laporte and Sergio Aguero are two major doubts for Manchester City when they travel to Dortmund in midweek. It appears unlikely that Guardiola would want to make too many changes from the side that featured in the first leg.
Predicted Lineup:
Key Men
Borussia Dortmund
Erling Haaland is the key man for Borussia Dortmund, for obvious reasons. The Norwegian international had a relatively quiet game in the first leg and is going through a bit of a goal drought. A strong performance against Man City, therefore, could be an ideal spring in the steps for him.
Manchester City
Kevin de Bruyne was the difference between the two sides in the first leg, offering a real creative essence for the Citizens going forward. The Belgian could once again play a key role for the Premier League giants this midweek, especially considering his record against Dortmund.
