Chris Sutton reveals three-point plan for Man City to make Champions League semi-final

Football pundit Chris Sutton has claimed there are three key issues Man City need to address the game, with the tie delicately poised following Pep Guardiola's side's 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium last week.

Writing for the Daily Mail, Sutton firstly made reference to Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland, and contended: "Stop Haaland and, in all likelihood, you stop Dortmund from inflicting another quarter-final exit on Guardiola as City manager.

“Jadon Sancho’s absence is good news for City because he and Haaland have a great connection. One assists and the other scores. Dortmund will create opportunities, there is no doubt about that, but City’s defence have to limit Haaland’s involvement.”

Continuing, the ex-Chelsea and Celtic striker highlighted the Citizens' struggles in high-profile Champions League clashes in the past, and claimed: “City must overcome the psychological barrier they have with this stage of Europe’s elite competition.

“Don’t do something silly like play a back three to defend your way into the semi-finals. Doing that backfired badly when Lyon shocked City 3-1 last year.”

“Go to Germany with swagger and belief that you can and will score. Dortmund’s defence is nothing to brag about. Exploit it!”

Lastly, Guardiola was urged to “nail” his team selection, having built up a reputation for making unexpected choices ahead of big games.

City have been knocked out of the competition at the quarter-finals stage for the last three seasons in a row, and while they continue to shine in the Premier League, the elusive Champions League trophy is still very much the club's primary target.