Watertight City can contain Everton
Manchester City’s outstanding recent record in the English domestic cup competitions looks to be continuing this term, Pep Guardiola’s men are in the final of the League Cup and will be eyeing an unprecedented quadruple with them likely to progress into the Champions League’s last eight this week. Their hosting of Borussia Monchengladbach on Tuesday gives them less time to prepare than the Toffees, however the depth of quality in the squad is far greater than that of Carlo Ancelotti’s side. City are too short to get on side as outright winners, they have been keeping the goals down this season with the budding partnership of John Stones and Ruben Dias going from strength to strength.
Form
On the surface Everton have had a pretty strong first full season under Ancelotti, and yet there have been a fair few marginal victories their underlying process has been poor. I do not expect them to push for the top six in the final stretch of the season, they tend to rely very heavily on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and James Rodriguez, if those three do not fire they can struggle to get going. Allan’s return from injury is a huge boost in midfield but lining up against the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Rodrigo, he may have his work cut out.
Priorities
City go into their second leg with Gladbach a cool 2-0 scoreline ahead, giving Guardiola the opportunity to rest and rotate in preparation for this fixture. They should be fresh for this matchup and should put the Toffees to the sword just as they did recently in the league, running out 3-1 winners at Goodison Park.
Goals?
I can see this one being controlled and managed very well by the visitors and that is why I will be recommending an unders play.
- Everton have scored in eight of 10.
- Everton have conceded in seven of 10.
- Everton have seen both teams score in five of 10.
- Everton have seen over 2.5 goals in five of 10.
- City have scored in nine of 10.
- City have conceded in six of 10.
- City have seen both teams score in five of 10.
- City have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of 10.
Being an evening kick off gives the visitors further rest time, though they look short outright combined with an unders play you can find value. I will be using the Asian Goal Line for some insurance.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
A comfortable winner, City nicked it with two late strikes, 2-0.