After a disappointing 0-0 draw in their opening match against Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund will be looking for their first three points in the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday, June 21, at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. Awaiting the German side, who finished fourth in the Bundesliga, are South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who currently lead Group F with three points after their 1-0 win over bottom side Ulsan Hyundai. Kovac’s side looked fatigued in their tournament debut and had only goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to thank for not falling behind against Fluminense. The Swiss shot-stopper pulled off a number of spectacular saves, while Dortmund’s attack—led by Guirassy—failed to pose any real threat in the final third. To claim victory over the South African champions, the Black and Yellows will need to rediscover the form that had seen them rack up six straight wins across the Bundesliga and Champions League prior to that setback. As for Mamelodi Sundowns, they started their campaign in the best possible way, securing a win thanks to a goal from their striker Iqraam Rayners. However, Cardoso’s side, who also had two goals disallowed by VAR, were put under pressure by Ulsan, who squandered several chances to equalize or even take the lead. Given Dortmund's urgent need to win and the notable difference in squad quality, it's unlikely that the Germans will miss the opportunity to take three points for the second match in a row.

Mamelodi Sundowns' Recent Form and Key Stats

Mamelodi Sundowns bounced back with a 1-0 win over Ulsan Hyundai after their 2-1 loss to Pyramids on June 1, a defeat that cost them the CAF Champions League title.

In their last five matches across all competitions, the South African side have recorded three wins, one draw, and one loss, averaging 1.6 goals scored and just 0.6 conceded per game. Their defensive resilience stands out, having kept clean sheets in seven of their last ten games.

For the clash with Borussia Dortmund, Mamelodi Sundowns are expected to line up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation. Compared to the match against Ulsan, there could be changes in the attacking midfield trio. Up front, there’s no doubt about the presence of Iqraam Rayners, who scored the match-winner on Matchday 1 and had two more goals disallowed.

Borussia Dortmund's Recent Form and Key Stats

Borussia Dortmund’s goalless draw with Fluminense ended their run of six straight wins dating back to April 15. However, the team remains unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions, with six wins and two draws.

One positive from the draw with the Brazilian side is that it marked their second consecutive clean sheet, following the 4-0 Bundesliga win over Holstein Kiel. On the flip side, it was the first time in over two months that the attack failed to find the net.

Kovac is unlikely to make many changes to the XI that started against Fluminense. Up front, Guirassy will again lead the line, supported by Brandt and Adeyemi, both of whom are looking to bounce back from an underwhelming opening performance.

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction and Tactical Overview

With just one point in the group, Borussia Dortmund must win to stay in the race for the Round of 16. A defeat—especially if Fluminense beats Ulsan—could severely compromise their tournament hopes.

Mamelodi Sundowns, on the other hand, might opt for a more cautious and defensive approach, knowing that even a draw could edge them closer to an unexpected qualification. However, this conservative strategy might actually play into Dortmund's hands, especially given their technical superiority in tight spaces, led by their trio of forwards.

The overall feeling is that Dortmund’s superior squad depth and quality will eventually break through the South African defense, securing their first win of the tournament. It’s also worth noting that despite their win, Mamelodi’s backline struggled at times against an unimpressive Ulsan side.

Therefore, the prediction for Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund, valid for Matchday 2 of Group F in the FIFA Club World Cup, leans towards a Borussia Dortmund win, making away win (2) the recommended pick.

• Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund prediction of the BetMines algorithm predicts the sign 1 at 27%.
  
  
• Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund prediction of the BetMines algorithm predicts the sign X at 24%.
  
  
• Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund prediction of the BetMines algorithm predicts the sign 2 at 49%.

Probable Lineups Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS (4-2-3-1): Williams; Modiba, Cupido, Kekana, Mudau; Allende, Mokoena; Zwane, Sales, Costa; Rayners. Coach: Cardoso

BORUSSIA DORTMUND (4-3-2-1): Kobel; Svensson, Bensebaini, Anton, Sule; Ryerson, Gross, Nmecha; Brandt, Adeyemi; Guirassy. Coach: Kovac