Champions League: How City could line up against Dortmund

8:39am on Tuesday 13th April 2021
By Cameron Smith

Pep Guardiola takes his Manchester City side to face Borussia Dortmund off the back of his side's shock defeat to 10-man Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.

A double from Stuart Dallas put a much-changed City team to the sword, but with a first-choice starting XI of sorts likely to return for the Champions League quarter-final second leg, Guardiola will be hoping that a repeat performance doesn't materialise.

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Marcos Reus' equaliser in the 84th minute in the first leg at the Etihad had seemed to swing the tie in Dortmund's favour, but Phil Foden's 90th minute winner has given City the edge.

As long as they avoid defeat, they are through.

But which players will Guardiola call upon to get the job done?

In between the sticks it will be the ever-present Ederson, who was fortunate to get away with his loose touch that allowed Jude Bellingham to sneak in in the first leg, but has conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League this term.

Benjamin Mendy started the defeat to Leeds at left-back, but Joao Cancelo will return there against Dortmund, with Kyle Walker coming back in on the right flank.

Guardiola has rotated his centre-backs on a frequent basis over the past few months, but with Ruben Dias rested against Leeds, the Portuguese international will slot in again to partner John Stones.

Rodri has found his feet in English football this season, and after Fernandinho started in defensive midfield against Leeds, the Spaniard will return to his role of protecting the back four against Dortmund.

In front of him, Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne will look to continue their fine recent form in the Champions League; with both starting on the bench on Saturday, they should be well rested.

Raheem Sterling has often been the man for Guardiola during his time in charge at City, but he started against Leeds, and with no goals in his past seven outings for his club, he is likely to be replaced by Foden for this crucial tie.

As for on the other flank, expect to see Riyad Mahrez, who has been increasingly trusted by Guardiola in recent months.

With Sergio Aguero's fitness an issue, and the Argentine barely featuring all season, he will remain on the bench, with Gabriel Jesus expected to be the man tasked with leading the lines for the Citizens.