Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund picks from SBR's Gary Pearson for Saturday's Group F match:
Prediction: Dortmund win & Over 2.5 goals (-130 via DraftKings)
"Dortmund were way off the pace in their opener against Fluminense, appearing rusty and about as sharp as a 10-year-old butter knife. I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt, though.
With that subpar warm-up out of their way, I suspect they'll come to life against a Mamelodi Sundowns team looking to pleasantly surprise those who appreciate an underdog story.
While the South African Premier Soccer League champions will likely batten down the hatches and make life as challenging as possible, I can't see Dortmund passing up this opportunity to prove its superiority.
Dortmund entered the tournament on a six-game winning streak, including a Champions League semifinal second-leg triumph over Barcelona. I'm surprised I can snag the Dortmund and Over 2.5 combined goals parlay at reasonable odds of -130."
Best Bet: Serhou Guirassy to score (-120 FanDuel)
"Like the rest of his team, Guirassy looked sluggish in the opening game. Hopefully he gets a good sleep on Friday and downs four Red Bulls in advance of Saturday's kick-off, as the match represents a rare opportunity against a rearguard that can't match his overall quality.
The Dortmund players are technically superior and were in a rich vein of form before the tournament after netting at least three goals in six straight matches.
Guirassy also enjoyed a prolific run to cap off the campaign, scoring in five consecutive Bundesliga outings while bagging a hat trick against Barcelona."
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund odds:
Prediction: Dortmund win & Over 2.5 goals (-130 via DraftKings)
"Dortmund were way off the pace in their opener against Fluminense, appearing rusty and about as sharp as a 10-year-old butter knife. I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt, though.
With that subpar warm-up out of their way, I suspect they'll come to life against a Mamelodi Sundowns team looking to pleasantly surprise those who appreciate an underdog story.
While the South African Premier Soccer League champions will likely batten down the hatches and make life as challenging as possible, I can't see Dortmund passing up this opportunity to prove its superiority.
Dortmund entered the tournament on a six-game winning streak, including a Champions League semifinal second-leg triumph over Barcelona. I'm surprised I can snag the Dortmund and Over 2.5 combined goals parlay at reasonable odds of -130."
Best Bet: Serhou Guirassy to score (-120 FanDuel)
"Like the rest of his team, Guirassy looked sluggish in the opening game. Hopefully he gets a good sleep on Friday and downs four Red Bulls in advance of Saturday's kick-off, as the match represents a rare opportunity against a rearguard that can't match his overall quality.
The Dortmund players are technically superior and were in a rich vein of form before the tournament after netting at least three goals in six straight matches.
Guirassy also enjoyed a prolific run to cap off the campaign, scoring in five consecutive Bundesliga outings while bagging a hat trick against Barcelona."
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund odds: