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The Champions League returns with Premier League leaders Manchester City hosting German giants Borussia Dortmund for the first leg of the exciting quarterfinal tie.
City will be coming into this game with momentum as they defeated Leicester City 2-0 in the Premier League. Whereas it was totally opposite for Dortmund as they lost to Eintracht Frankfurt 1-2 courtesy of a late winner from Andre Silva. With this defeat, the Black and Yellows have fallen seven points behind Champions League spot for the next season.
Apart from the current form, the biggest blow to Dortmund has to be the missing Jadon Sancho due to muscle injury. The English forward would have played a big role for the Germans on his return to the Etihad but now it looks like they won’t get his services until the second leg. Apart from Sancho, players like Dan-Axel Zagadou, Marcel Schmelzer, Youssoufa Moukoko and Axel Witsel are also recovering from their injuries and may not feature in the high voltage clash.
On the other hand, Pep Guardiola has almost everyone available for this fixture as they look to impose themselves from the get-go in the first leg to earn the high ground in the tie overall. Manchester City at the moment are in sublime form and therefore most people think that this is their year to win the Champions League and also the quadruple.
The Citizens are in cruise control in the Premier League and have the momentum on their side in the Champions League tie against Dortmund. Pep Guardiola’s men are also in the semifinals of the FA Cup against Chelsea and in the finals of the EFL Cup against Tottenham Hotspur. So there is a huge chance for them to achieve this unique feat and become the first English club to win the quadruple. But Guardiola will only have eyes on the upcoming fixture against Dortmund for the time being.
It has been a very difficult season for Germans as they sacked their former manager Lucien Favre and appointed his assistant manager Edin Terzic for the end of the season. Ever since Dortmund have been very unpredictable, they have shown glimpses of their fluid system but have not been solid in crunch situations. Therefore they are currently in the fifth position in the Bundesliga.
However the Black and Yellow overcame the tough Champions League round of 16 test against Sevilla. So Erling Haaland, Marco Reus and company will be eager to stage an upset against the favourites to lift the title.
Key Players
Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian international has been nothing less than a metronome for the Citizens. De Bruyne’s passing, vision, and ball progression make him one of the best midfielders in the world currently. If Dortmund want to have anything from this tie they have to keep the Belgian midfielder in check throughout the game. De Bruyne is capable of finding defence-splitting passes which will leave the opponent defenders completely off guard. He will also be a threat from set-pieces as the crafty midfielder has numerous tricks up his sleeve. With six assists in the Champions League campaign already De Bruyne will play a pivotal role in this crucial tie.
Ruben Dias
His inclusion in this team has changed the dynamics completely for Manchester City especially on the defensive side of things. Dias has been exceptional at the heart of the defence partnering either John Stones or Aymeric Laporte. His primary attribute is his exquisite game reading and positional sense. To add to that he is an ideal centre back for Pep Guardiola because of his great ball-playing skills.
Erling Haaland
The Norweigian marksman has been in fiery form scoring 10 goals in this season’s Champions League campaign as he leads the goalscoring charts. He is someone who looks to capitalise on the slightest of mistakes from the opposition. Haaland’s ability to dribble past defenders at will and come up with some exceptional finishes make him a generational talent. Haaland’s goalscoring spree has not stopped ever since joining Dortmund and in Sancho’s absence, the Norweigian will look to come up with the crucial goals to put his side ahead in the tie.
Mats Hummels
A big clash always requires the experienced players to come to the fore and Hummels has to be that guy for Borussia Dortmund. The experienced German centre back may not be having his best season but he needs to step up to the big occasion and deliver the goods as the Black and Yellow need him more than ever. Hummels is known for his game reading and exceptional tackling. Along with that he is also a great leader who can inspire the team. A lot will rely on his performance against a very potent Manchester City forwardline.
Prediction
Borussia Dortmund are in a great muddle in the Bundesliga with Champions League qualification a doubt for next season. However, they will look to start afresh and keep up with the challenge of the Premier League leaders. On the other hand, Manchester City are in sublime form and have all bases covered. Therefore, they are considered as the favourites to lift the title this season.
