Manchester City will walk into their Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium with both confidence and concern. Pep Guardiola’s side have been brilliant so far in Europe, continuing their quest to defend their crown, but as always with City, there’s a quiet tension behind the scenes. Injuries, fatigue, and tactical adjustments are now part of the story. Guardiola knows Dortmund is no small test, and the German side under Niko Kovac are coming with belief, power, and a plan to shock England’s champions in their own home. The Etihad lights will shine bright on Wednesday night, and all eyes will be on the men in blue.
Manchester City have been in impressive form in this season’s Champions League campaign, showing the same composure and control that have defined their football under Guardiola for years. They’ve already taken down Napoli, the Serie A title holders, in a tough encounter that tested their patience and resilience. They also beat Villarreal, a side known for their tactical organization and counter-attacking threat. Even in the draw against Monaco, City showed that their ability to fight and stay in control even when things aren’t going perfectly remains one of their strongest weapons. The team’s chemistry is high, the hunger is visible, and the depth of talent available to Guardiola continues to make them one of Europe’s most feared sides.
Their recent Premier League win against Bournemouth was another confidence booster. It wasn’t just the result that mattered—it was the energy, the creativity, and the joy that came with it. The players looked free, the goals were flowing, and the connection between the midfield and attack was sharp. But beneath that excitement lies a small problem that could grow bigger—injuries. And this week, the biggest concern centers around Mateo Kovacic.
Guardiola confirmed that Kovacic, who had already missed the start of the season due to Achilles surgery during the summer, has now suffered another setback—an ankle injury that could rule him out for several months. It’s a cruel twist for a player who had been looking forward to finally wearing the Manchester City shirt regularly after his move. Guardiola looked frustrated when addressing the media about it. His words were honest but filled with worry. “He will be out for a while,” he said. “He still has a problem with the ankle, a little calcification is still there. We’ll wait on him for the last part of the season.”
This injury blow means Guardiola will again rely on his rotation system. Players like Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden will have to carry the creative and control responsibilities in midfield. Rodri, who is one of City’s most important players, is expected to start against Borussia Dortmund, giving City the stability they need in the center of the pitch. His calmness under pressure and ability to dictate the tempo from deep are crucial in big games like this.
Other squad updates bring some good news. Abdukodir Khusanov and Oscar Bobb were not included in the matchday squad against Bournemouth, but that was only due to tactical decisions, not injury. Guardiola wanted fresh legs for the league and is now likely to bring both players back into the Champions League mix. However, names like John Stones, Nathan Ake, Tijjani Reijnders, and Omar Marmoush could find themselves on the bench despite their quality. That’s how competitive Manchester City’s squad has become—every match feels like a test of patience for the stars waiting for their turn.
Financially, it’s interesting to note that players like Stones, Reijnders, Marmoush, and Ake are on a combined weekly wage of £935,000 before bonuses. That shows the kind of depth Guardiola has—superstars sitting on the bench waiting for the call. But the manager’s biggest strength has always been knowing how to keep them motivated and ready to deliver when needed.
So what might Guardiola’s lineup look like? The predicted starting XI has been tipped to feature Donnarumma in goal—his shot-stopping and confidence under pressure will be vital. The defense could include Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, and O’Reilly. In midfield, Rodri will anchor the team, supported by Silva. The attacking trio behind Haaland could include Cherki, Foden, and Doku. Each of them brings something different—Cherki’s flair, Foden’s intelligence, and Doku’s explosiveness. And then there’s Erling Haaland—the man who once terrorized Borussia Dortmund’s defense during his time in Germany and will now face his old club with fire in his eyes.
Guardiola’s substitutes bench will also be stacked with options. Ortega and Trafford could be the backup goalkeepers, while Stones, Ake, Ait-Nouri, Khusanov, and Lewis add defensive cover. The midfield could have Reijnders, Gonzalez, Savinho, and Bobb ready to step in. Marmoush will likely be the attacking option off the bench. It’s a team built for any situation—possession control, counter-attacking, or chasing a goal late in the game.
For Borussia Dortmund, things are looking slightly complicated but still hopeful. They’ve been solid in their Champions League group, winning two of their first three games. Niko Kovac has brought a new identity to the team—one that mixes disciplined defending with quick transitions. The team may not have the superstar names of past years, but they play with hunger and determination.
Nico Schlotterbeck, one of Dortmund’s best defenders, is expected to return after missing their Bundesliga win over Augsburg due to illness. His presence will be massive, especially against Haaland. His physicality, leadership, and timing in challenges make him one of the most important players in Dortmund’s defense. However, there’s bad news too. Niklas Sule, the experienced German center-back, is still out. He’s edging closer to recovery from a toe injury but won’t be ready in time. Kovac also confirmed that creative midfielder Julian Brandt didn’t travel with the squad due to a muscular issue. Losing Brandt is a big setback; his ability to create chances from nothing and link up with the forwards is something Dortmund heavily rely on.
Aaron Anselmino, the young defender on loan from Chelsea, might be dropped to the bench. Kovac wants more stability in defense, and Schlotterbeck’s return will give him that. Meanwhile, Jobe Bellingham, the younger brother of Jude Bellingham, is pushing for a place in the starting lineup after recording two assists already in the Champions League this season. The teenager has been fearless, playing with maturity beyond his age. Dortmund fans are excited to see what he can do on such a big stage.
Julien Duranville could also make a comeback after training with the team following his recovery from a shoulder injury. However, goalkeeper Patrick Drewes and midfielder Salih Ozcan won’t feature—they weren’t registered for the Champions League group stage. It’s a decision Kovac made earlier in the season, preferring to go with different squad options.
When asked about his team’s fitness situation, Kovac didn’t hide his frustration. “Niki Sule is not participating due to his toe. In Jule’s case, the risk was a bit too great due to a muscular issue,” he explained in his pre-match conference. His tone reflected the frustration of a coach who knows he’ll need every weapon available against one of the best teams in Europe.
Dortmund’s predicted starting lineup looks balanced but daring. Kobel is expected to start in goal—his performances in Europe have been solid. The defense could consist of Schlotterbeck, Anton, and Bensebaini, forming a back three. The midfield will be where Dortmund try to win the battle, with Couto, Nmecha, Gross, and Svensson expected to play. Ahead of them, Chukwuemeka and Adeyemi could operate as attacking midfielders behind the dangerous Serhou Guirassy, who leads the line.
Guirassy has been on fire in Germany this season. His finishing, strength, and positioning make him a threat to any defense. Guardiola knows him well and will want Dias and Gvardiol to stay tight on him. Dortmund’s substitutes include Meyer and Ostrzinski as backup goalkeepers, while Anselmino, Can, and Ryerson provide defensive options. Sabitzer, Bellingham, and Campbell will offer midfield choices, with Beier and Silva as attacking substitutes.
The tactical battle between Guardiola and Kovac will be fascinating. Guardiola’s teams are built on control, possession, and quick recovery when they lose the ball. Kovac’s Dortmund is built on structure, counter-attacks, and energy. Both teams know each other’s strengths. Guardiola’s main fear will be Dortmund’s pace on the break—Adeyemi and Chukwuemeka can cause real damage if City lose the ball high up the pitch. On the other hand, Dortmund must find a way to stop City’s passing rhythm and prevent Haaland from getting service.
Haaland facing his former club adds another emotional layer to this match. He has huge respect for Dortmund fans and always speaks fondly of his time there, but on the pitch, he’ll show no mercy. Every movement, every header, every run will be aimed at breaking his old club’s hearts. Guardiola will remind him that goals against Dortmund will mean more than just three points—it will be another statement that City are still Europe’s team to beat.
As the Etihad prepares for another Champions League night, both sides will feel the pressure. Manchester City want to stay unbeaten and continue their dominance, while Dortmund want to prove they can compete with the very best. Guardiola will walk down the tunnel knowing that every decision—from formation to substitutions—could shape how far City go this season. Kovac, meanwhile, will tell his players to play with courage, to fight every ball, and to believe that even giants can fall when faced with fearless hearts.
Football’s beauty is that it always finds a way to surprise. And when Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund meet, it’s never just a game—it’s a story of style, ambition, and emotion. The whistle will blow, the crowd will roar, and for ninety minutes, the world will watch two football philosophies collide under the bright lights of Manchester. Whether it ends in joy or heartbreak, one thing is certain: the night will belong to those brave enough to fight for it
