MANCHESTER CITY are hoping Erling Haaland will be the final piece in their Champions League jigsaw and the striker could come back to haunt old club Borussia Dortmund on Matchday Two.
Despite hoovering up trophies since Pep Guardiola took charge, club football's biggest prize continues to elude City. After losing the 2021 showpiece to Chelsea, more agony followed in last season's semi-final as Real Madrid scored twice in stoppage-time to break their hearts.
But that only strengthened Manchester City's resolve to finally rule the continent, with Haaland a statement signing this summer as they landed Europe's deadliest striker.
The Norwegian has hit the ground running, with a double at Sevilla in the first group game taking his tally to 12 goals in just eight games. His arrival has given Guardiola's side a new dimension, having operated without a recognised centre forward for pretty much the last two seasons.
Dortmund know just how dangerous Haaland can be, having nurtured him for the last two campaigns, but their business model has always been to sell their stars and invest in the latest prodigious talent.
That has kept them at Europe's top table, although last season was a massive disappointment as Borussia finished third in their Champions League group then crashed out of the Europa League to Rangers.
Marco Rose was axed at the end of the season, with the club turning back to Edin Terzic, and Dortmund's start to the season has been promising, with six wins from eight games.
They crushed Copenhagen 3-0 on Matchday One, bringing up a full house of tips for our man Gabriel, but taking on Man City at the Etihad is a massive step up in class.
How the bookies view it
Manchester City's home form is superb but this is still the Champions League so I'm surprised to see Borussia Dortmund as big as 16/1 at BetVictor for an Etihad win. The best price for Guardiola's side is a measly 3/14 at VBet while the draw is 36/5 with the same firm.
Head to head
These sides faced off in the quarter-final two seasons ago and Manchester City won 2-1 in both legs. The only other meeting came in the group stage back in 2012 and it was Borussia Dortmund who held the edge, winning 1-0 at home after a 1-1 stalemate at the Etihad.
Players to watch
All eyes will be on Haaland but he's just 1/2 for anytime scorer at Bet365, although the odds increase to 11/5 if you back him to break the deadlock. Unibet also offer a tempting 21/10 for the Norwegian to score two or more and evens for over 2.5 shots on target.
Marco Reus rolled back the years with a virtuoso display against Copenhagen and the 33-year-old has started the season well, netting three times. He's 6/1 at Bet365 for anytime scorer which looks a good option for long-odds punters.
Anything else catch the eye?
I cashed in backing Manchester City to be winning at half-time and full-time in Seville but that bet doesn't offer great value here at a best 7/11 with SBK. We've seen over 1.5 first-half goals in all of City's home games so far this season so that looks the best option here at evens with William Hill.
Haaland's arrival has been a godsend for Kevin De Bruyne who now has someone up top to pick out with killer through balls and crosses. The Belgian has been racking up assists this term and is 11/10 at Unibet for another here.
This UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund will be played on Sep 14, 2022 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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