* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
This really is it, isn’t it? It’s the game that can be held aloft and shown to Man City fans and investors that, in fact, they’ve turned a corner and the monkey on their back in the shape of the Champions League trophy has hopped off and started staring at Arsenal again.
But for all that Phil Foden rescued a victory for City before appearing to sulk like the 16-year-old he resembles, it all seemed to feel somewhat flat for the soon-to-be English champions. And coming off the back of a defeat to Leeds is hardly the ideal prep for this, either.
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So, despite having a winner under their belts, they’re going here knowing that if they avoid defeat, they’ll qualify and I absolutely hate that mentality. Sometimes I even find from a psychological perspective that having a nil-all draw going into the away leg is more beneficial because you’re at least forced to score to get the advantage.
And let’s not fool ourselves into thinking City were miles better on the night, too. Well, presuming there’s no ‘Jude Bellingham to be Robbed Blind by an Official for Winning the Ball’ market, here’s my idea of a winning Bet Builder for what feels like City’s biggest game in years.
Wednesday 8pm: Borussia Dortmund v Manchester City
BT Sport 3
Dortmund to Win
It’s coming. The great disappointment. In a lot of ways, this feels like City’s last stand because of Sergio Aguero’s impending departure and sometimes that can really play on your mind.
Does it feel like a race against the clock? Ever so slightly. The obvious replacement for Aguero is going to be plying his trade in their own box in this game and sometimes that narrative kind of writes itself, does it not?
For all that City are the only side to bag 100 points; for all that they’re the creative force in England and never stop scoring – the missing piece for their future is the real danger for them in Dortmund and it’s hard not to believe they’ll pay for it before paying for him. I’m expecting a Dortmund Win here. Maybe next year.
Over 2.5 Goals
In case you were curious – yes, I think Dortmund will go through. They can win 1-0 and still bow out, of course. There’s a little clarification for you.
I think City were slightly stumped creatively in the first leg, and the closeness of this tie, particularly in the latter stages will see them even more reserved – but they’re too good not to score. I just think Dortmund have the best striker on the planet not named Kylian Mbappe right now. Over 2.5 Goals is my next play.
Man City to Score in the First Half
You know how it goes, don’t you? City score early. The commentators talk about how this team is built on defensive resilience now rather than the eccentric attacking prowess of previous teams under Pep, and how they’re considerably better-equipped to take a result now. Before, naturally, it all goes pear-shaped.
Dortmund to Score in the Second Half
The comeback will be late, it’ll be great and the cause of much Twitter debate. Is Ilkay Gundogan actually their long-term answer in midfield? Was it a fluke few weeks? Is Foden really better than Bellingham?
Is John Stones even going to the Euros? Is Kevin De Bruyne’s hair sustainable long-term? Leroy Sane is a better player than Sterling – why did they let him go? Why is my tea gone cold after writing all these questions?
I do enjoy a meltdown and we’ll be getting Over 0.5 Dortmund goals in the second 45 here.
Dortmund v Man City tips
Dortmund to Win
Over 2.5 Goals
Man City to Score in the First Half
Dortmund to Score in the Second Half
These selections in a Bet Builder will give you odds of around 13/1 with Paddy Power.
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Bet Builder Acca Insurance
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* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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