Borussia Dortmund vs Manchester City preview

December 3, 2012
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

This match will be of little importance for Borussia Dortmund, who have already secured the first place in the standings, but Manchester City need a victory if they want to continue their European campaign in Europa League.

Reigning Bundesliga champions may have made quite a few slip ups on domestic stage, but they have been thoroughly impressive in Europe’s elite competition.

BVB not only qualified from the group of death but also ensured the first place in the standings with one more match to go.

Even if this is certainly a tremendous achievement for Jurgen Klopp’s side, I just cannot see the Germans taking the Manchester City clash lightly.

Boosted by the good showing in 1-1 draw at Alianz Arena, the hosts will give their best to return to winning ways, so bear in mind home win pays 2.10 (11/10) at BetFred.

Neven Subtotic and Sven Bender are unlikely to be risked as they are not fully fit, while captain Sebastian Kehl misses out with a knee problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Weidenfeller – Piszczek, Hummels, Santana, Schmelzer – Gundogan, Leitner – Blaszczykowski, Gotze, Reus – Lewandowski.

Even if the Premier League champions were widely expected to finally prove their worth in the Champions League, the reality is they now face an uphill struggle to win the third place in the group.

While somehow keeping their Premiership results respectable, Manchester City just could not get going in Europe, and they are still without a win in the group stage.

The ship that is Champions League qualification has long ago sailed, but the Citizens could still earn a chance to play in Europa League.

For that to happen, they need to win at Signal-Iduna Park and Ajax not to beat Real Madrid, but defeating very good Borussia side will be no easy task.

There is a clear reason why City are no less than 3.80 (14/5) with Paddy Power to get all three points here.

Roberto Mancini is expected to make several changes to the side that could only muster a 1-1 draw with Everton, with Mario Balotelli, Scott Sinclair and Javi Garcia likely to start.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Hart – Maicon, Kompany, Nastasic, Zabaleta – Javi Garcia, Barry – Sinclair, Nasri, Balotelli – Dzeko.

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