Venue: Etihad Stadium Date: Wednesday, October 3rd K/O: 19:45Match Preview: We've seen the Champions of England against the Champions of Spain, now its time to watch the Champions of England against the Champions of Germany. Welcome to the Champions League Group of Death. Roberto Mancini and his men almost escaped the Bernabeu a fortnight ago with what would have been the most unlikely of wins, before succumbing to a last gasp 3-2 defeat to Jose Mourino's Real Madrid. If City are going to avoid replicating their fate of last season when they crashed out of the Group Stages of this competition, it is practically imperative that they get three points on the board tonight. Their opponents tonight though have already hit the ground running in the Group Stages by beating Ajax 1-0 to join Madrid at the top of Group D. They have also claimed recent wins over Bayern Munich on their way to retaining their Bundesliga crown last season. Bayern beat City 2-0 just over a year ago to help send Mancini and his men crashing into the Europa League on that night Tevez refused to get off the bench - and Roberto Mancini will be hoping for better luck against German opposition this time. Shinji Kagawa played a huge part in Dortmund's domestic success last season, but the Japanese born midfielder is now plying his trade at Manchester City's local rivals Man United. That being said, Dortmund still have a few danger men that City have to keep a close eye on. Robert Lewandowski plundered 30 goals last season to fire his team to the title, whilst Mario Gotze provided 15 assists from midfield. Team News Midfielder Jack Rodwell is available for contention, having recovered from a groin injury sustained in his sides 4-2 Capital One Cup defeat to Aston Villa. Maicon and fellow defender Micah Richards are both out however - with a heel and ankle injury respectively. Kolo Toure is ineligible having not been registered for the competition. Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp has a fully fit squad to choose from. Lewandowski was dropped for his clubs 5-0 weekend crushing of Borussia Monchengladbach, but is almost certain to be recalled tonight. Defender Patrick Owomoyela is the only notable absentee as he nurses a calf complaint. Head to Head[.] City have gone 15 games unbeaten in Europe on home soil, with FC Midtjylland the last side to leave Manchester with the spoils back in 2008/09. [.] Dortmund have failed to win in any of their last three visits to England - including a trip to Arsenal last season when they were defeated 2-1 and finished bottom of their group. Prediction: Man City 2-1 Dortmund Man City haven't kept a clean sheet in league or cup all season, their last shut-out coming against Limerick in a pre-season friendly on August 5th. I can see Dortmund causing City problems at the back tonight, but I am still going for a narrow home win.