Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund

After a 3-1 win over Bournemouth, Manchester City return to the Etihad looking to build momentum in Europe after a mixed start to their Champions League campaign. A 2-0 victory away to Villarreal on Matchday 3 offered welcome relief following an inconsistent run on the continental stage — just their third win in ten Champions League outings (D2 L5). Pep Guardiola’s side will be hoping that result marks the beginning of another long unbeaten spell in the competition. City have been imperious at home in recent European campaign and are unbeaten in 22 consecutive home matches in the Champions League group stage or league phase (W19 D3) — a streak dating back to a 2-1 loss to Lyon on Matchday 1 of the 2018/19 season. Their dominance at the Etihad has been built on relentless attacking play and tactical control, qualities that will again be crucial against a free-scoring Borussia Dortmund side. Erling Haaland continues to be City’s most potent weapon. The Norwegian striker has scored 37 goals in just 33 Champions League group stage or league phase appearances, an extraordinary record that underlines his efficiency at the highest level. His familiarity with Dortmund, the club he left to join City, adds another layer of intrigue to the tie. Bernardo Silva, meanwhile, stands on the brink of a personal milestone. The Portuguese midfielder’s next appearance in the Champions League proper will be his 100th, making him only the 52nd player to reach that mark. Should he feature, he will join an elite list of Portuguese centurions that includes Cristiano Ronaldo (183 appearances), Pepe (120) and Luís Figo (103). A 4—1—4—1 formation with Erling Haaland in attack is expected for the 7th-placed side.

In 6th place, just above City, Dortmund arrive in Manchester in excellent attacking form. The Bundesliga side have scored four goals in each of their three league phase matches so far this season, most recently recording a 4-2 win away at Copenhagen. It marks the first time in their history that they have found the net four times in three consecutive European Cup games. The BVB [DWW] have lost just one of their last ten Champions League fixtures (W6 D3) and come into this clash full of confidence. Their 347 European Cup goals underline their long-standing tradition as one of Germany’s most vibrant attacking clubs. A reputation they would be eager to defend here when they appear with the 3—4—2—1, having Serhou Guirassy in attack. Emre Can is ruled out for the visitors.