Prediction: Borussia Dortmund vs Manchester City

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 16/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

The UEFA Champions League is back in our lives once again this week as we prepare for the second leg of all four quarter-final ties in the competition. There are some which look set to be a bit more conclusive than others but within the context of the UCL, it’s always pretty difficult to predict what exactly is going to happen. Today, we’re going to take a look at a game that has the potential to be a barnburner between Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City.

Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund haven’t been able to get anywhere near their usual level in the Bundesliga this season, even with the incredible form shown by the one and only Erling Haaland. Now, as we look ahead to the summer transfer window, it’s becoming clear that this may well be the club’s best chance to win the Champions League for quite a few years. Sure, they’re 2-1 down from the first leg, but they don’t really have a whole lot to lose.

Team News

Witsel, Zagadou, Schmelzer and Moukoko are all still ruled out through injury with the big hope from Dortmund’s perspective being that Jadon Sancho will be fit enough to return for the second leg.

Manchester City

Manchester City’s pursuit of an unprecedented quadruple goes on with April being a key month in their efforts to capture the UCL, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup. Some are suggesting they’ve already got one eye on their FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea but knowing Pep Guardiola, we think his main priority now is going to be getting the win over Dortmund to ensure they have momentum heading into the semi-finals of the one trophy that’s eluded this club.

Team News

Aguero and Laporte are both fitness doubts heading into the game with many questions also being raised about Sterling. He didn’t feature in the first leg and the same thing could happen here as speculation continues to circulate regarding Guardiola’s rotation plans across the next few weeks. Elsewhere, Jesus and Torres are expected to play featured roles.

Factors to Consider

• In the first leg, Man City beat Dortmund 2-1 at the Etihad.
• Dortmund have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
• Man City have won five and lost one of their last six games.
• Dortmund have scored 11 goals and conceded 10 in their last six games.
• Man City have scored 12 goals and conceded three in their last six games.

Conclusion

We think City were pretty fortunate to come away with a win in the first leg whereas Dortmund, with an away goal behind them, should be feeling confident about their ability to really get at the champions-elect of English football. We can picture a scenario in which the German side push City back and really cause problems for them, but in the end, the visitors will peg them back with the end result being a 1-1 draw on the night – sending Pep’s men through on aggregate.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 16/5

Bookmaker: 888sport