There are really only two things you need to know about this game. First, Manchester City is that they will not be advancing out of the group and they play Manchester United this weekend. Second, Dortmund have already won the group.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Manchester City: Preview and TV schedule
Dortmund already have the top spot in the group locked up. City could pass Ajax for a Europa League spot. In other words, this one is not on the must watch list.
Lars Baron
With that in mind, it's fair to say that Roberto Mancini is likely to rest several starters and not put much weight on the outcome of this match. Of course, if they want to go to the Europa League (and who knows if they care) they'll need to win and hope Ajax does no better than a draw against Real Madrid.
For Dortmund it’s a more positive situation as the Germans are in the Round of 16 and have won the group. Jürgen Klopp has a fully healthy side available after their draw with Bayern Munich on Saturday but he’s likely to rest starters with nothing to be gained or lost from this final group stage match.
So while it could still end up being an entertaining game with lots of reserve players just looking to prove they deserve more playing time, there’s really nothing much on the line. Such is the way of things in a group stage situation.
Borussia Dortmund injuries and suspensions
Out: Chris Lowe (muscle), Patrick Owomoyela (calf). In doubt: Mario Götze (undisclosed), Sebastian Kehl (knee).
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Gael Clichy (ankle), Aleksander Kolarov (groin), James Milner (hamstring), Jack Rodwell (hamstring), Micah Richards (knee). In Doubt: None.
Dortmund’s Götze and Kehl are both doubtful and considering the situation I wouldn’t expect either to play. City will be without several players with Kolarov and Milner being the most recent additions to injury report.
Match Date/Time: 9:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Signal-Iduna-Park, Dortmund, Germany
TV: FOX Soccer (U.S.), DirecTV (U.S.), Sky Sports 2 (U.K.), Sportsnet World (Canada)
Online: FOX Soccer 2 Go (U.S.)
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