Man City Starting XI vs Dortmund: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Man City shuffle plans for Dortmund in Champions League showdown

Manchester City return to Champions League duty at the Etihad, hosting Borussia Dortmund in a meeting that promises tactical intrigue as much as star power. Rotation is on Pep Guardiola’s mind after a demanding domestic outing, and with the knockout phase looming, squad management and rhythm take centre stage.

Guardiola’s flexibility has been a theme throughout this campaign. The Catalan has shifted shapes fluidly, adapting to opponent structures, while Niko Kovac maintains his unwavering three at the back system. With Man City regularly opting for a 4-1-4-1 setup when facing that back three, another tweak appears likely.

Ahead of kick off, Guardiola described the weekend match as “demanding”, hinting that several fresh legs could be introduced against Dortmund. It is a contest that matters, not just for points, but for Manchester City’s pursuit of control in Europe, and Dortmund, for all their transition moments and fast breaks, arrive knowing this is a benchmark fixture.

Key selections in spotlight

Some slots feel untouchable. Gianluigi Donnarumma remains the immovable presence in goal, while Erling Haaland’s blistering productivity continues to define City’s attacking threat. Even in a side stacked with creators and runners, the Norwegian remains the most reliable cutting edge, and against his former club, narrative and necessity align.

Photo: IMAGO

Elsewhere, the selection debate appears more fluid. Rayan Ait Nouri has eased back from injury and could reclaim a starting role after involvement against Bournemouth and Swansea. That would allow Josko Gvardiol to return to central duty, where his aggression and clean progression set the tone for City’s deeper build.

Rayan Cherki, lively and incisive in his recent outing against Bournemouth, stakes a strong claim to keep his place on the right. Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva supply continuity and control across midfield lines, with Silva particularly influential against teams that press man to man, as Dortmund often do when brave.

Midfield choice shapes rhythm

Tijjani Reijnders has hit a challenging patch. With Rodri fit again, Guardiola may lean toward security and tempo control. The Spaniard’s presence transforms City’s rhythm, yet his minutes require careful handling, suggesting a potential substitution plan rather than a full match burden. Still, Rodri’s return in a Champions League tie feels significant.

Mateo Kovacic remains the only confirmed absentee, still sidelined by a long term ankle problem. That stability in availability gives Guardiola licence to rotate without weakening structure.

Predicted Man City lineup vs Dortmund

Man City predicted XI 4-1-4-1: Donnarumma, Ait Nouri, Dias, Gvardiol, Nunes, Rodri, Silva, Doku, Foden, Cherki, Haaland

Injured: Kovacic

Kick off: 8pm BST, Wednesday 5 November 2025Venue: Etihad Stadium, ManchesterBroadcast: TNT Sports 1