Looking to record their first win of the group stage at the Club World Cup, Borussia Dortmund take on Mamelodi Sundowns at the TQL Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Bundesliga giants approach this encounter on the back of a 0-0 draw with Fluminense last time out.
That stalemate has left Niko Kovac’s side with work to do heading into their final two Group F assignments.
While Dortmund will be expected to pick up their first victory at the second attempt, Mamelodi Sundowns have already shown that they will represent an awkward proposition.
The South African giants have taken early control of the section thanks to a well-deserved 1-0 win over Ulsan.
As such, Miguel Cardoso’s men now know that another win in Ohio this weekend would almost certainly see them stamp their ticket to the knockout round with a game to spare.
How the bookies view it: BVB to bounce back
Following their aforementioned stalemate with Fluminense last time out, Borussia Dortmund are unattractive short-priced 2/7 favourites on Boylesports to claim their maiden win of the competition on Saturday evening.
Mamelodi Sundowns are as big as 7/1 on Boylesports to spring a shock, while a share of the TQL Stadium spoils is also considered unlikely at 4/1 with the same firm. While both of those prices merit consideration, the more sensible option could be to side with the Sundowns with a +2 handicap start at 20/21 (Boylesports).
Head to head: History book blank
Mamelodi Sundowns and Borussia Dortmund will do battle for the first time ever on Saturday evening. The South African outfit last featured in this competition during its previous format back in 2015, while Borussia Dortmund are gracing this stage for the first time in their history.
Players to watch: Rayners represents value
After scoring the only goal of the game against Ulsan in midweek, Iqraam Rayners looks a great value option at 5/6 (Bet 365) to register a minimum of one shot on target during this clash. Alternatively, the Sundowns striker is a noteworthy 4/1 anytime goalscorer option on Boylesports.
Borussia Dortmund will look to star striker Serhou Guirassy for inspiration on Saturday evening. The BVB hitman is a skinny 4/6 anytime goalscorer option with Boylesports.
Predicted line-ups
Mamelodi Sundowns have a clean bill of health heading into their matchday two encounter, so manager Cardoso is likely to stick with the same set of players that edged past Ulsan.
Jobe Bellingham made his Borussia Dortmund debut after being introduced on the hour mark against Fluminense in midweek. The teenage midfielder impressed on his maiden appearance and could be rewarded with a start against Sundowns.
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams; Mudau, Kekana, Cupido, Lunga; Mokoena, Adams; Ribeiro, Zwane, Matthews; Rayners
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Sule, Anton, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Sabitzer, Bellingham, Svensson; Brandt, Guirassy, Adeyemi
Anything else catch the eye?
Mamelodi Sundowns carry more than enough attacking threat to make their mark during this match, making them an appealing prospect to score a minimum of one goal at 4/5 with Boylesports.
Borussia Dortmund can consider themselves fortunate to have kept a clean sheet against Fluminense, giving up 14 shots, including five on-target efforts.
It’s also worth noting that BVB failed to keep the back door shut in eight of their final 10 Bundesliga matches of the season, further highlighting their defensive fragility.
GambleAware