Man City vs. Borussia Dortmund Betting Tips: Two tips as Haaland faces his old side

We look set for a thrilling encounter at the Etihad on Wednesday as Manchester City host Borussia Dortmund at 20:00 on BT Sport 2.

Man City’s success last campaign without a traditional number nine was well documented. In the summer they went and secured the services of the hottest prospects in that position in the world, yet there was still some uncertainty as to how both parties would adapt. 

Seven games in and 12 goals later, including back-to-back hat-tricks, and sceptics have become sparse. On Wednesday Erling Haaland faces his former club in circumstances that are expected to suit the Norwegian perfectly. 

Obviously, Haaland will be familiar with the Dortmund backline, their habits, both good and bad. Tactically, Edin Terzic usually prefers a high line, it remains to be seen if he will adapt in Manchester but if not I fear for the German club. We are yet to properly see how dangerous the striker can be with space to run into, epitomised by the fact that 60% of his domestic goals have come from inside the six yard box, so if the German club are niative enough to give him space, Haaland could get another hatful. 

He is expected to spearhead the well rested hosts side, flanked by Phil Foden and Jack Grealish upfront in a 4-3-3 formation. 

As for the visitors, Terzic has a lengthy list of injuries to contend with. Thorgan Hazard had to be substituted after 23 minutes against Copenhagen, he did not feature in the Bundesliga at the weekend but will be given every chance to prove his fitness here. Waiting in the wings is Giovanni Reyna, he has impressed in cameos this season and this could be the only change from GW1. 

Since the start of last season City have played 28 games at the Etihad, only failing to win by a two goal margin or greater in seven of those fixtures. 

In their seven fixtures so far this campaign, they have only failed to hit the double during their trip to Villa Park. At home, they put four past Crystal Palace and Bouremouth and six past Nottingham Forest, Pep Guardiola’s side also put four past Sevilla in their UCL opening game last week. 

City have enjoyed the visit of Bundesliga clubs in recent seasons, they have faced RB Leipzig, Schalke, Hoffenhiem and Borussia Moenchengladbach winning all four and scoring 19 in the process! 

The visitors are tricky to get a read on, their results are inconsistent and performances can be sporadic. They were scinterlating last week against Copenhagen, then did not show up for their trip to Leipzig at the weekend. 

Their away form in this competition leaves a lot to be desired, and could have as many eight unavailable for Wednesday. 

All things considered, I think taking Man City with a -2 asian handicap is the safest play here as we have the added security that if City win by two goals we get our stake back. 

It is also worth pointing out that Daniele Orsato has the whistle for this one. The Italian referee is renowned for his card brandishing antics. This campaign he has dished out an average of over five per game, in this competition, he has awarded 199 cards in 42 appearances. 

I am not sure how competitive this clash is going to be but with such an obliging referee I think that the player card market is worth delving into.

Jude Bellingham is 7/2 for a card with Betfair and Paddy Power, the same angle is as short as 11/8 elsewhere. 

The Midlands born midfielder has already picked up two domestically this season, clearly he is looking to chase down the nine he racked up last campaign. He could struggle to contain Kevin De Bruyne and co. 

Best of luck if you are backing any of these selections and please remember to gamble responsibly.