City to hold on against CL history makers

One of the most eye-catching ties in this week’s Champions League action sees Manchester City host Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium looking to hold on to their 2-1 lead from the Santiago Bernabeu. Both sides finished their domestic seasons strongly overall, Real clinching the title and Manchester City taking second place. Pep Guardiola’s men showed some indifferent form towards the end of the season, losing to Southampton and Arsenal without scoring in July. However, the Cityzens are still strong favourites for this encounter, odds on to win in it 90 minutes, but Zinedine Zidane’s Champions League record suggests it will be a lot closer.

Background

Manchester City have won their last seven home games on the bounce, with six of those victories being accompanied by a clean sheet and also covering a -1 handicap. The man expected to fill Sergio Aguero’s big boots in the push for the biggest trophy in Europe is Gabriel Jesus, the Brazilian will be buoyed by his goal in the first leg and has scored a 1st half goal in four of the last six matches. Indicating Madrid’s prowess in this competition, they have won their last seven away games in the last 16 stage of the Champions League.

Battle of the central strikers

City have quite a top-heavy roster having seen shortcomings from Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones and Fernandinho in the centre of defence this season. Putting more stress on their attacking contingent, I do not see them keeping a clean sheet on Friday evening. Gabriel Jesus has 21 goals and 13 assists in all competitions this season, a fine return from the 23-year-old, his best tally for the club. That said his opposite number has comfortably been outside of Lionel Messi the best attacking player in La Liga this season.

The Frenchman nine years Jesus’ senior Karim Benzema has slammed home 26 goals and added 11 assists this term, that total being achieved with his captain Sergio Ramos converting the majority of penalty kicks. Benzema also have experience of winning the Champions League times as do many in this Real Madrid squad, that could prove massive in the second leg.

Kevin De Bruyne has been arguably the best player in the world since the resumption of play and he will prove his quality once again in this game, to ensure City progress.

Manchester City – Real Madrid Betting Tip

Both Teams to Score + Double Chance Manchester City to Win or Draw with 888sport at odds of 23/25 or 1.91.

Bet Both Teams to Score + Double Chance Manchester City to Win or Draw on 888sport