Following a brilliant comeback win over VfB Stuttgart, Borussia Dortmund will hope to carry that momentum in the Champions League as they take on Manchester City on Wednesday. The Black and Yellows are trailing 2-1 on aggregate but having scored in the away match, a 1-0 win will be enough for them to advance through to the next round, so we are expecting a full-on counter-attacking approach from Edin Terzic’s men.
Predicted Borussia Dortmund Lineup Vs Manchester City
Defence
Terzic is unlikely to make too many changes to the side that faced Stuttgart on the weekend, at least in the defensive unit. Mats Hummels and Manuel Akanji should continue at centre-back, hoping to build a formidable line that will make life difficult for the opposition.
Mateu Morey should keep his place at right-back ahead of Lukasz Piszczek and Thomas Meunier, whose misjudgement of the flight led to Man City’s late equaliser in the first leg.
Raphael Guerreiro is a curious case, but the Portuguese international is likely to continue at left-back as well, given the fact that Terzic doesn’t have a solid alternative.
Marwin Hitz, meanwhile, should retain his place in goal ahead of Roman Burki, despite a host of incompetent performances in recent weeks, including the latest game against Stuttgart.
Midfield
Terzic might want to recall Emre Can in defensive midfield ahead of Thomas Delaney. The former Liverpool star can add that extra intensity and aggression that could be the key in dealing with the likes of Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan.
Can will be supported by the midfield duo of Jude Bellingham and Mahmoud Dahoud, both of who are more than capable of doing the defensive work but can also offer the quality in the approach play. Bellingham, in particular, is one to watch out for in this Champions League encounter.
Attack
The Borussia Dortmund attack will be spearheaded by none other than Erling Haaland, but Terzic might have some key decisions to make elsewhere, as far as the creative unit is concerned.
Marco Reus remains a guaranteed starter on the left as his experience, leadership and intensity could be crucial to be club’s hopes of securing a win in this tie. But on the opposite flank, Dortmund are missing Jadon Sancho, meaning Terzic will have to choose only one between Julian Brandt, Thorgan Hazard, Giovanni Reyna and Ansgar Knauff.
Reyna is the favourite to start following his promising display against Stuttgart, although Dortmund can always call upon the pacy Knauff or the experienced Hazard.
