⚽ A Familiar Face Returns to the Spotlight
The UEFA Champions League returns to the Etihad Stadium this Wednesday night as Manchester City prepare to host Borussia Dortmund in what promises to be one of the most exciting fixtures of the week.
For one man, however, it’s more than just another European night — it’s personal.
Erling Haaland, City’s unstoppable goal machine, is set to face the club where he first rose to global fame. The Norwegian striker has already scored 13 Premier League goals this season and remains perfect in Europe, finding the net in every Champions League match so far.
Fresh off a brace against Bournemouth, Haaland looks ready to add to his tally as City aim to leapfrog Dortmund in the league phase standings.
🕗 Match Details
- Fixture: Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund
- Competition: UEFA Champions League (League Phase – Matchday 4)
- Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 8:00 PM GMT
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
📺 Where to Watch
- TV (UK): TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate (coverage from 7 PM)
- Live Stream: Available on Discovery+ app and Discovery+ website for TNT Sports subscribers
- Highlights: BBC One will broadcast free match highlights at 10:40 PM GMT
💪 Team News and Expected Line-ups
🔵 Manchester City
City boss Pep Guardiola enters this clash with a mostly fit squad. Erling Haaland is expected to start despite being substituted late against Bournemouth as a precaution.
Rodri also made his return from an ACL injury last weekend, adding strength to the midfield. With Liverpool visiting the Etihad on Sunday, Guardiola could rotate his lineup slightly, offering opportunities to players like John Stones, Oscar Bobb, Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Tijjani Reijnders.
Mateo Kovačić remains a long-term absentee due to an ankle injury.
Predicted XI:
Ederson – Walker, Dias, Stones, Aït-Nouri – Rodri, Silva – Foden, De Bruyne, Doku – Haaland
🟡 Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund travel to England without several key players. Emre Can is still out, though defenders Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle are expected to return.
Striker Serhou Guirassy, who netted the winner against Augsburg, is set to lead the attack as Niko Kovač’s side aim to continue their strong European form.
The German club sit just above City in the table, boasting a better goal difference despite conceding seven goals in their three Champions League matches so far.
Predicted XI:
Kobel – Ryerson, Süle, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen – Özcan, Sabitzer – Sancho, Brandt, Malen – Guirassy
🔍 Tactical Breakdown
Pep Guardiola’s tactical flexibility will again be key. Against teams like Dortmund, who like to attack with pace and directness, Guardiola often deploys John Stones as an inverted defender stepping into midfield alongside Rodri. This hybrid setup could help neutralize Dortmund’s counterattacks while allowing Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden more creative freedom.
For Dortmund, Niko Kovač has emphasized defensive structure, but City’s pressing and ball circulation may prove overwhelming. Dortmund have kept seven clean sheets in the Bundesliga this season, but their defense has looked vulnerable in Europe — conceding heavily away from home.
Expect Jadon Sancho, now thriving under Kovač, to test his former club down the right wing, while Julian Brandt will be tasked with exploiting spaces behind City’s full-backs.
🧠 Head-to-Head History
These two sides have developed a mini-rivalry in Europe over the last few seasons.
- Man City wins: 3
- Dortmund wins: 1
- Draws: 2
Interestingly, three of City’s last four wins against Dortmund have ended 2–1, suggesting another tight affair could be on the cards.
🧾 Match Odds
| Outcome | Odds |
|---|---|
| Manchester City to win | 4/11 |
| Borussia Dortmund to win | 11/2 |
| Draw | 16/5 |
Odds via Bet365, subject to change.
⚖️ Match Officials
UEFA has confirmed that Szymon Marciniak, the Polish referee who officiated the 2023 Champions League final between City and Inter, will take charge of this fixture.
Marciniak has refereed 14 matches this season, issuing 47 yellow cards, 1 red card, and awarding 5 penalties. City’s record under his supervision is excellent — four wins in five matches, including their memorable 4–0 victory over Real Madrid in 2023.
💬 Manager & Player Quotes
Pep Guardiola on Haaland facing Dortmund:
“Erling knows that club very well. But he’s focused on us. He wants to win every game, every competition. That’s what makes him special.”
Niko Kovač on Dortmund’s mindset:
“We respect Manchester City, but we don’t fear them. We’ve played against the best before. If we stay compact and take our chances, anything is possible.”
🔥 Prediction: Man City 2–1 Borussia Dortmund
Manchester City are back to winning ways after a short wobble, and with Haaland in red-hot form, it’s difficult to bet against them at home.
Dortmund’s defensive frailties away from Germany could once again cost them. Expect Haaland to score against his former club in a tight but deserved win for Guardiola’s men.
Predicted Score: Manchester City 2 – 1 Borussia Dortmund
📊 What’s Next
Following this match, City stay at the Etihad to face Bayer Leverkusen in another tough German test, while Dortmund return home for a domestic clash before meeting Paris Saint-Germain in their next Champions League fixture.
Both teams are well positioned to qualify for the Round of 16, but the outcome on Wednesday could shape their path significantly.
