Man City vs Dortmund – UEFA Champions League Match Preview (5 Nov 2025)

Full Build-Up: Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund (5 November 2025)

Match Details & Stakes

On Wednesday 5 November 2025 at 20:00 GMT, Manchester City will welcome Borussia Dortmund to the Etihad Stadium for a pivotal fixture in the group phase of the UEFA Champions League 2025‑26 under the new Swiss-model format. Manchester City FC+1
Both sides sit level on seven points from three games, with Dortmund technically above City on goal difference. Sports Mole
City seek to assert themselves at home and take a major step toward the knockout rounds; Dortmund aim to silence one of Europe’s elite and strengthen their bid for Group F ascent.

Team News

Manchester City

The only confirmed absence is midfielder Mateo Kovačić, out with an ankle injury. Sports Mole+1
Key midfielder Rodri is fit again and available, though manager Pep Guardiola may manage his minutes. SI
Predicted formation: 4-1-4-1, with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, Dias and Stones central defence, Aït-Nouri at full-back, and attackers such as Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland leading the line. SI+1
Guardiola has hinted at possible rotation given the congested schedule. The Standard

Borussia Dortmund

Defender Nico Schlotterbeck returns to availability after illness; Niklas Süle should also feature after recovering from a toe issue. SI+1
Youngster Julien Duranville is back in first-team training and may be involved. SI
Dortmund are expected to deploy a defence-oriented setup (3-4-2-1 or 4-4-2) and aim to exploit transitions against City. SI

Key Players to Watch

Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Facing his former club, Haaland continues his prolific form — four goals in the Champions League already this season; eyes on history. Opta Analyst+1
Phil Foden (Manchester City): The creative engine in Guardiola’s squad, his interplay on the flanks or in advanced midfield will be critical to break Dortmund’s organised defence.
Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund): Dortmund’s pace weapon in attack, Adeyemi can punish high defensive lines and will look for space behind City’s back-line. Wikipedia
Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund): On goal-keeping duty, his saves may prove vital if City dominate possession and Dortmund are reduced to counter-attacks. Sportsgambler+1

Tactical Dynamics & Match Insight

City will likely dominate possession and territory, focusing on controlling the midfield and using width to stretch Dortmund. However, they have shown earlier this season that they can be vulnerable when transitioning from attack to defence. Sports Mole
Dortmund, by contrast, bring strong attacking numbers: high expected-goals differential and impressive shot-conversion rates from earlier UCL matches. Opta Analyst
The key for City: maintain control, manage moments, avoid conceding early and allow Haaland space. For Dortmund: defend compactly, hit on the break, and use their pace and directness to create risk.
The head-to-head history favours City: Dortmund have recorded just one win in the previous six Champions League meetings between these clubs. Opta Analyst+1

Prediction & What to Expect

Odds overview: City hold around 64.5 % win probability according to Opta’s algorithm. Opta Analyst
Suggested scoreline: Manchester City 3-1 Borussia Dortmund. City’s attacking firepower should prevail, but Dortmund’s counter-attack threat means a clean sheet is unlikely. SI+1
Expected storylines: Haaland facing his former club; mid-game substitution strategies; potential moments of brilliance vs structure; and a chance for City to assert dominance in Group F.

For more UEFA Champions League see

For results from yesterday’s game visit