Borussia Dortmund have been handed a major boost ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening, as key defender Nico Schlotterbeck looks set to return to action.Manchester City, meanwhile, are preparing for a demanding week, juggling their European commitments while also keeping one eye on a huge Premier League showdown with Liverpool this weekend. Pep Guardiola’s men know that maintaining focus on both fronts will be vital as they aim to stay within reach of league leaders Arsenal.
Dortmund’s excellent form ahead of City test
Under the guidance of Niko Kovač, Dortmund enter the clash in fine form — unbeaten in their last four games. Their only stumble came in the DFB Pokal against Eintracht Frankfurt, where they progressed via penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Domestically, the German giants have been consistent, sitting third in the Bundesliga with 20 points. They have scored 15 goals and conceded just six, keeping six clean sheets in their first nine league games — a defensive record only matched by Bayern Munich. Their impressive form will certainly test City’s attacking prowess at the Etihad.
Key defenders return for Dortmund
Dortmund’s defence has been further boosted as Nico Schlotterbeck is expected to rejoin the squad after missing their recent Bundesliga win over Augsburg. According to Bild (via Get Football News Germany), the German international trained individually on Monday and is set to travel with the squad to Manchester.
Kovač confirmed that Schlotterbeck will participate in a final training session on Tuesday and expressed confidence that the defender will feature against the 2023 UEFA Champions League winners. In addition, Niklas Süle is also likely to make the trip despite missing the Augsburg match due to a toe injury, giving Dortmund a timely double defensive boost.
Manchester City’s rotation dilemma
Pep Guardiola is expected to rotate his squad for the midweek clash, balancing the need for a strong performance against Dortmund with the looming Premier League battle against Liverpool. The Spanish tactician will have to manage fatigue and maintain intensity as City chase trophies on multiple fronts.
City have been in fine form heading into the match and will look to continue their momentum. However, the timing of the Liverpool fixture complicates matters — with both sides in strong domestic form, Guardiola’s selection choices against Dortmund may reveal where his immediate priorities lie.
What to expect at the Etihad
The return of Dortmund’s key defenders means this fixture will be anything but straightforward for City. Guardiola’s men may dominate possession, but Kovač’s well-organised side — with their solid defensive record — will likely pose significant resistance, especially with Schlotterbeck and Süle back in the lineup.
With both sides in top form, fans can expect a tightly contested Champions League encounter that could shape the trajectory of Group Stage qualification.
FAQs
Q: When is Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund taking place?
A: The match will be played on Wednesday evening at the Etihad Stadium as part of UEFA Champions League matchday four.
Q: Who is returning for Borussia Dortmund?
A: Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle are both expected to travel and could feature after missing the Augsburg game due to injuries.
Q: What is Dortmund’s current form?
A: Dortmund are unbeaten in four matches across all competitions, with strong defensive performances and multiple clean sheets.
Q: Will Pep Guardiola rest key players?
A: Guardiola is likely to rotate some members of his squad, given City’s upcoming Premier League clash with Liverpool later in the week.
Q: How is Manchester City performing this season?
A: City remain in strong form across competitions and are looking to build momentum both in Europe and the Premier League title race.
Conclusion
Borussia Dortmund’s defensive reinforcements arrive at a crucial time as they prepare to challenge a high-flying Manchester City side. While Schlotterbeck and Süle’s returns will boost the visitors’ confidence, Guardiola’s City remain favourites — though squad rotation could play a decisive role. With the Liverpool clash looming, Wednesday’s Champions League tie promises to test both depth and discipline for the reigning European champions.
